Leah Thomas

"The future can and will be intersectional."

"I was so frustrated during this second wave of the Black Lives Matter movement [in the Spring of 2020] because the environmental community was largely silent. So I posted the Environmentalists for Black Lives Matter graphic, along with my definition of intersectional environmentalism, and also an intersectional environmentalist pledge and I put it out there."

"The lack of representation of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, low-income, LGBTQ+, disabled, and other marginalized voices has led to an ineffective form of mainstream environmentalism that doesnt truly stand for the liberation of all people and the planet."

"I didnt want to be an "environmentalist" if that meant I had to choose between racial progress and environmental progress."

"its evident that social justice and environmentalism are deeply intertwined and that addressing this interconnection is crucial for attaining justice for both people and planet."

"Our identities flow through our politics, our advocacy, what we care about-whether we realize it or not."

"I had to leave my community in order to have access to the right education, nature, green spaces, clean air. And I think that instilled something in me early on."

"Those least responsible for the climate crisis are bearing the brunt of it."

"It is time to dismantle and reflect on what environmentalism means and reclaim the term so that it is inclusive of historically excluded and underrepresented people."

"We know it’s going to take all of us and not just a select few."

"It’s important for people to realize that if they want to use their privilege in the right way, amplify the voices of the people who have historically been unheard."

"If we combine social justice efforts with environmental awareness efforts, we will harness enough power, representation, and momentum to have a shot at protecting our planet and creating equity at the same time."