Inspirational Figures Integrating Faith

Through their significant contributions to environmental consciousness, these trailblazers embody the spirit of Black Green and Holy’s commitment to cultivating creation, community, and faith as one holistic journey.

Black Eco-Preachers: Theology Meets Ecology

These leaders merge spiritual insight with activism, advocating for environmental justice and community healing through faith-driven initiatives that empower Black communities to cherish and protect the earth.

  • Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll Sr. - Founder of Green The Church, a national movement mobilizing Black churches to lead on environmental justice. He connects solar energy, sustainability, and climate advocacy with the spiritual mission of the Black church.
  • Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley - Pastor Emeritus of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta and a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement. He’s a powerful voice linking climate justice to faith, emphasizing that clean air and water are God-given rights.
  • Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade - Though not Black herself, she co-edited Rooted and Rising, which features Black eco-preachers like Durley. Her work amplifies diverse voices in climate preaching and supports clergy through initiatives like EcoPreacher.
  • Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock - Senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and U.S. Senator. He’s known for preaching about environmental justice as a moral and spiritual imperative, especially for marginalized communities.
  • Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III - Senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. He integrates Black liberation theology with ecological justice, often preaching about the sacredness of creation and the need for sustainable living.
  • Rev. Sekou - A theologian, musician, and activist who speaks on environmental racism and the spiritual call to resist ecological destruction, especially in vulnerable communities.

Empowered Voices: Black Farmer Organizations

Experience the transformative power of community advocacy through Black farmer organizations, uniting sustainable practices and faith to strengthen food security and ecological stewardship among the African diaspora.

Influential Black Ecologists Shaping Our Future

Uncover the pioneering efforts of Black ecologists promoting conservation science and inspiring ecological justice, highlighting their significant influence in advancing environmental awareness and sustainability.

  • Dr. Robert Bullard - Often called th e father of environmental justice, Bullard’s research exposed how environmental hazards disproportionately affect Black communities. He’s a professor at Texas Southern University and a global advocate for equitable environmental policy.
  • Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant - A large carnivore ecologist and National Geographic fellow, she studies human-wildlife conflict and conservation biology. Her work bridges science and storytelling to make ecology accessible.
  • Dr. Nyeema Harris - A wildlife ecologist at Yale, Harris explores carnivore behavior and conservation in urban and wild landscapes. Her research highlights ecological interactions and biodiversity.
  • Dr. Samuel Ramsey - An entomologis t known for his groundbreaking research on honeybee parasites, Ramsey is also a passionate science communicator and advocate for diversity in STEM.
  • Dr. Carolyn Finney - A cultural geog rapher and author of Black Faces, White Spaces, Finney explores the intersection of race, identity, and environmental access. Her work challenges exclusion in environmental narratives.
  • Dr. Alicia Foxx - A conservation ecologist at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, Foxx studies plant-microbe interactions and restoration ecology, with a focus on dryland and tallgrass ecosystems.
  • Jasmine Brown - A graduate student in forestry at Michigan State University, Brown researches African American legacies with forests and promotes culturally informed ecological practices.
  • Christopher Lawrence - An ecologist stud ying Heliconius butterflies, Lawrence integrates Black cultural knowledge into ecological research and works with the Black Ecologies Lab at Rutgers.
  • Deja Perkins - An urban ec ologist and science communicator, Perkins studies urban bird populations and co-organized Black Birders Week to celebrate Black naturalists.
  • Dr. Georgia Silvera Seamans - An urban forester and fo under of Local Nature Lab, Seamans advocates for biodiversity and nature access in cities, emphasizing people-plant relationships.

Enlightening Paths to Creation Care

From insightful online courses to esteemed programs at HBCUs, these resources empower you to align your faith with ecological stewardship, fostering personal and communal transformation through informed action and shared wisdom.

Online Courses in Faithful Creation Care

Delve into courses merging faith, ecology, and practice, guiding you towards actionable steps in creation care inspired by biblical teachings and ecological responsibility.

  • Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural WorldZondervan Academic Taught by Douglas and Jonathan Mo o, this 14-unit course explores biblical themes related to creation, redemption, and stewardship. It’s self-paced and includes video lectures and interactive readings. Explore the course
  • Creation Care and HealthICMDA (International Christian Medical and Dental Association) This 11-lesson course connects environmental stewardship with human health from a Christian perspective. Topics include planetary health, climate change, and biodiversity loss. View course details
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Creation Care & the EnvironmentMissional University A unique program combining ecotheolo gy, environmental mission, and sustainability. Courses include “Ecotheology and the Missio Dei” and “Earth Resources and Sustainable Development.” Learn about the certificate
  • Creation Care: Basic Bible 101Presbyterian Church USA via Sacred Space Online Learning A free, one-hour webinar offering accessible biblical foundations for creation care ministry. Watch the webinar
  • Creation Care Video LecturesZondervan Academic A comp anion to the Moo course above, this video series dives deeper into biblical and scientific perspectives on creation care. Browse the lectures

HBCU Programs in Environmental Stewardship

HBCUs offer comprehensive programs in ecology, enhancing your expertise in environmental stewardship. These pathways reflect cultural heritage and ecological knowledge, promoting growth in personal and shared ecological pursuits.

  • North Carolina A&T State University - Offers a B.S. in Environmental Sci ence with concentrations in ecology, natural resources, and soil/water sciences. Known for hands-on fieldwork and research partnerships.
  • Florida A&M University - Home to the only School of Environment in Florida, offering a B.S. in Environmental Science with courses in ecology, biodiversity, and wetland management.
  • Tuskegee University - Provides a B.S. in Environmental Science focused on ecology, wildlife biology, and conservation. Emphasizes stewardship and scientific research.
  • Southern University and A&M College - Offers a B.S. in Environmental Science with specializations in ecology, wildlife management, and environmental policy.
  • Bowie State University - Features a B.S. in Environmental Science with concentrations in ecology and environmental health. Includes community service and internships.
  • Howard University - Through its Biology Department, Howard offers training in environmental science and ecology, preparing students for research and workforce readiness.
  • Alabama A&M University - Has a robust Environmental Science and Policy Department with a focus on climate change, water resources, and ecological policy
  • Jackson State University - Offers environmental science degrees with opportunities for fieldwork and research in ecology and sustainability.
  • Morgan State University - Provides environmental science programs with ecological components and urban sustainability focus.
  • Delaware State University - Offers environmental s cience degrees with coursework in ecology, conservation, and environmental health.

Spiritual and Ecological Connections

These platforms unite faith-based eco-activism with food sovereignty and community healing, reflecting Black Green and Holy’s mission to deepen spiritual and ecological connections within the African diaspora.

Empowered Faith Through Digital Communities

Engage with dynamic online communities integrating faith, gardening, and stewardship principles. Discover transformative stories and resources that unite spiritual growth with environmental action and communal resilience.

  • @greenthechurch - Founded by Rev. Dr. Ambrose Carroll Sr., this account mobilizes Black churches for environmental justice and sustainable practices. It features church gardens, solar initiatives, and creation care sermons. Visit @greenthechurch
  • @blackchurchfoodsecuritynetwork - This network connects Black churches with Black farmers to build food systems rooted in faith and justice. Their feed showcases church gardens, community markets, and food sovereignty efforts. Explore @blackchurchfoodsecuritynetwork
  • @blackinthegarden - Founded by Colah B Tawkin, this vibrant account celebrates Black gardening culture and includes church-based initiatives. It’s a mix of education, humor, and advocacy. Follow @blackinthegarden
  • @blackgirlswithgardens - While not church-specific, this account supports Black women in gardening and often features faith-based reflections and community garden projects. Check out @blackgirlswithgardens
  • @themocha.gardener - (Ashlie Thomas) Ashlie shares her gardening journey in North Carolina, often highlighting faith, wellness, and food justice. Her work intersects with church and community outreach. Visit @themocha.gardener
  • #blkchurchesgrow - (Emerging/Community Tag) Some churches use this hashtag to share their gardening efforts. It’s worth exploring for grassroots inspiration and local partnerships.

Denominations for Creation Justice

Explore diverse church denominations that exemplify creation justice, weaving ecological stewardship with faith, in line with Black Green and Holy’s mission.

Faithful Stewards of God’s Creation

Uniting faith and ecology, discover denominations actively integrating environmental stewardship, reinforcing spiritual practices that honor creation and uplift communities through diligent care and biblical conviction.

  • United Church of Christ (UCC) - The UCC runs the Creation Justice Churches program, guiding congregations to embody environmental justice through worship, education, and advocacy. It’s part of their broader “Just World Covenant” initiative.
  • Presbyterian Church (USA) - Through Presbyterians for Earth Care, this denomination supports eco-justice ministries, theological education, and grassroots action. They offer resources for congregations to engage in creation care and climate justice.
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) - ELCA’s Lutherans Restoring Creation is a g rassroots movement promoting sustainability, worship resources, and community engagement around environmental issues.
  • Creation Justice Ministries - While not a denomination itself, this organization represents nearly 40 Christian denominations—including Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Orthodox traditions—mobilizing them for ecological justice.
  • Interfaith Power & Light - Though interdenominational, many churches partner with IPL to promote renewable energy, climate advocacy, and sustainable practices rooted in faith.

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