Eco-influencers – the real green revolution is being spearheaded by a dynamic group of students from Atlanta's prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Trading their textbooks for hands-on experience, these future leaders embarked on an impactful journey to Senegal, West Africa, a trip that wasn't just about sightseeing, but about immersing themselves in the very essence of sustainability.
This transformative expedition was orchestrated by the HBCU Green Fund Fellows program, a visionary initiative dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Black climate leaders. The program isn't just about theoretical knowledge; it's about empowering students with real-world experiences that will equip them to champion environmental justice and spearhead a thriving green economy long after graduation.
For Latajah Lassus from Clark Atlanta University, the trip was a profound immersion into practical solutions. "We went, we cleaned up the beach," she excitedly shared with Channel 2 Action News, painting a picture of active engagement in environmental stewardship. But it didn't stop there. The students also rolled up their sleeves to combat deforestation and climate change by planting trees, directly contributing to reforestation efforts. Their learning extended beyond tangible actions, as they toured ecological centers, witnessing firsthand how Senegalese communities ingeniously utilize local plant life for medicinal purposes and even as natural fertilizers. The core takeaway for Latajah was a powerful lesson in "learning to work with the nature that is around you in the environment."
Ashley Felix, a student at Spelman College, echoed this sentiment, her perspective shifting dramatically during the trip. The stark contrast in infrastructure between Senegal and the United States sparked a powerful realization. "It also made me realize that if this country can be sustainable with what they have, and for them it’s not just ‘Oh I want to be sustainable,’ it’s they have to be sustainable. Their infrastructure cannot sustain as much as ours can. If they can do it, then we can do it," Ashley insightfully observed. This understanding that sustainability isn't a luxury but a necessity for many communities globally served as a potent call to action.
Monsurate Amoo, also a student at Spelman College, focusing on the vital intersection of sustainable fashion, had a particularly eye-opening experience. She noted a fundamental difference in the perception and implementation of sustainability. "Sustainability is their way of life. It’s an innovative aspect of their lifestyle. and over here, I feel like we attack it in such an impoverished manner, whereas, at least for my section of sustainability, when it comes to fashion, and ya know, second-hand clothes, and stuff like that, it’s seen as an impoverished idea. Whereas, over there, they are more into a circular economy, using the resources that they have," Monsurate explained. This revelation challenged the often-negative connotations associated with practices like thrifting in Western cultures, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness inherent in Senegal's circular economy.
The students' journey to Senegal wasn't just a unique and influential adventure; it was a powerful testament to the global interconnectedness of environmental issues and the diverse approaches to tackling them. However, these inspiring young leaders are keen to emphasize that making a difference doesn't require an international flight.
Latajah Lassus astutely pointed out the importance of local action. "It’s very important that we get involved in small ways. You know, you may not be able to plant trees, but you can start by removing plastic from your home or just limiting your waste," she wisely advised. This call for grassroots engagement underscores the accessibility of sustainability and empowers individuals to initiate change within their own spheres of influence.
The HBCU Green Fund Fellows program, with its year-long commitment, is clearly nurturing a generation of change-makers. By combining campus-level sustainability initiatives with climate justice advocacy and invaluable real-world experiences like this trip to Senegal, the program is laying the groundwork for a future where Black leaders are at the forefront of the green economy.
This journey to Senegal wasn't just a field trip; it was a cultural exchange of knowledge and a powerful reminder that the fight for a sustainable future is a global endeavor. The lessons these Atlanta students gleaned – the necessity-driven innovation, the ingrained circular economy, and the power of local action – are invaluable insights that they will undoubtedly carry forward as they embark on their mission to shape a greener and more just world. Their experience serves as an inspiring call for all of us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and recognize the diverse and effective ways communities around the world are embracing sustainability, proving that the future of our planet lies in collective action, both big and small, right here and across the globe.
