TheGrio’s 100: Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, pushing green so Wall Street stays out of red

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Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is convincing decision-makers that Wall Street can stay out of the red by going green, fighting Washington’s long-held view that the economy and environment are at odds with each other. As CEO of Green for All, Ellis-Lamkins organizes minority and disadvantaged communities to unite and advocate for green jobs, lower unemployment and a more eco-responsible economy.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is making history … passing environmentally friendly legislation in Congress. Green For All secured $500 million for green-job training in President Obama’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Ellis-Lamkins’s success has also reached the state level; she’s expanded health care in California, raised minimum wage for families in the South Bay, and led an effort in Washington State to make 100,000 buildings more energy efficient in the next five years.

What’s next for Phaedra?

Ellis-Lamkins has teamed up with the NAACP and the Hip-Hop Caucus, organizations that traditionally steer clear of environmental issues, to create Green The Block, which engages community members across the country with green projects — from cleaning up litter to organic farming — in their local communities.

In her own words …

“There’s no more courageous human being than someone who says, ‘I’m making a choice because it’s the right choice,” said Ellis-Lamkins in an interview with Yes Magazine. “What we have to do is lift those people up and make sure there’s opportunity.”

On black history …

“Black history is about recognizing where we come from, and honoring all those who got us here,” Ellis-Lamkins told theGrio. “I try to remember that previous generations struggled and marched to open doors of opportunity for me that they never had. I am deeply grateful to be able stand on the shoulders of others — the giants that created massive change…. They embodied the best of the human spirit, demonstrating that success isn’t defined by wealth or status, but by the impact we make on others.”

A favorite quote …

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

A little-known fact …

Ellis-Lamkins’ lobbying on the American National Security Clean Energy Act yielded the Act’s “only provisions creating opportunity for low-income people and people of color,” according to Green For All’s website.

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