BELDI FELLOWSHIP

The Full Story

CCEJ40 COHORT STATEMENT ON THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM & THE WAY FORWARD:

THE BELDI FELLOWSHIP

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Environmental racism refers to the ways that BANF communities in the United States, face greater harms from environmental factors due to discriminatory policies and practices, such as zoning codes and development decisions. These communities are often located near industrial zones, leading to higher exposure to pollutants. This exposure can lead to health disparities, including higher rates of infant mortality, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, multiple cancers, and HIV compared to white counterparts.

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The BELDI FELLOWSHIP

Clean energy career and workforce development is a forward-looking solution meant to increase the representation of those most impacted by environmental racism in the economy of the remediation of its effects.  The clean energy workforce is growing rapidly as the economy transitions away from fossil fuels. This creates an opportunity for millions of Americans to start stable careers that do not require a four-year college degree. New investments in clean energy infrastructure present an opportunity to more intentionally employ BANF in the energy sector and the skilled building trades where they have been historically underrepresented.

By focusing on preparing people for in-demand jobs with career mobility potential, workforce development, CBAC, INC seeks to target chronic BANF under/unemployment among 18- 35-year-olds in Justice 40 DACs, or disadvantaged communities.  This could lead to increased income, increased job security, and more options for long-term, high-quality career pathways. lineage wealth gap, stabilization, sustainability

In conclusion, environmental racism continues to contribute to ongoing health and economic disparities in Black American Descendant communities. Clean energy workforce development is an innovative approach that offers those most impacted the opportunity to participate economically in the remediation of these disparities.

CBAC CLIMATE & ECONOMIC JUSTICE 40 COHORT: CCEJ40 COHORT the BELDI Fellowship is administered through a network of 9 front line grassroots organizations in 7 states.

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