On April 15, 2011, seven young “green” leaders from the Atlanta University Center will visit Capitol Hill along with 10,000 fellow students from across the nation as a part of the Powershift movement.
Powershift is an organization of young leaders working together to move the nation away from using energy sources that are harmful to people and the planet. The agenda this year will be action-packed, and over the course of the weekend, attendees will hear from experts on climate and energy and have the opportunity to choose from more than 100 panels and workshops as well as be able to assist in community service events in the District of Columbia and complete grassroots organizational training as well.
Some of the confirmed speakers for the event include former vice president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Al Gore, EPA administrator Lisa Jackson, Green for All founder Van Jones and renowned author and activist Bill McKibben.
Rolling out had the opportunity to discuss Powershift and what being “green” is all about with the seven student leaders: D’Andre Ball (Morehouse College), Starsha Lawyer (Clark Atlanta University), Tye Stinson (CAU), Steven Cornish (Morehouse), Andrea Middlebrooks (CAU), Samantha Akwei (Spelman) and Caleb Williams (Morehouse).
“It’s about sustainability and being conscious about the choices we make every day as we live our lives and being stewards of the world we live in,” stated Steven Cornish.
When the students were queried about why they decided to get involved and attend Powershift, Andrea Middlebrooks spoke passionately about how Powershift opened her mind. “I went to Powershift in 2009 for the first time. … Most people think of Caucasians when you say ‘green’ but [the people] who are most affected are minorities and people of color. I feel it is very important to get the message out about this movement,” she said.
These students realize that a change has to be made in how we live. They also understand that each individual’s carbon footprint makes an impact on the environment. Caleb Williams stated it best, “I think people have an idea about what’s going on, but what people need to understand is that everything you do affects the environment if you’re alive.” –christa e. jackson
