Regina Hall Instagram – My #WCW today is shining a light on Lauren Ritchie (@laurenaritchie), an 18 year old Bahamian #ClimateActivist & student at @Columbia University in #NewYorkCity studying Sustainable Development and Political Science. She is also a writer for @browngirl_green and the founder of her own #sustainability blog @itsecogal. In one of her most recent articles “Amplifying Black Voices in the Environmental Community”, Lauren discusses her space as a Black woman in a majority white field and how lack of Black, and non-Black POC representation within sustainability is counterintuitive to the movement. Evidence continues to show communities of color are most affected by the climate crisis, however our voices are not being heard at the forefront of the movement to save our planet. Why? “The short answer: we aren’t invited. Climate action cannot move forward until there is an active desire to transform the #green movement to be more inclusive and to give Black environmentalists the platform to share their innovation and unique perspectives. It’s about time that our voices and stories were no longer silenced and cast aside within the environmental community. It’s time for Black people to claim their rightful seat at the green table.” For more great environmental content, and to read more of this article follow —> @laurenritchie @itsecogal @browngirl_green #BlackAndGreen #LetsCreateTheFuture #AmplifyBlackVoices