Agbo is the Green-Collar Jobs Campaign Statewide Organizer for the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland, California. She is also the former editor of the African American magazine and organizer of the Pan African Student Organization at the University of California, Davis.
As a student athelete and double major, Agbo combined an interest in social justice and civil rights with concern for the environmental struggles of disenfranchised communities.
In this interview, Agbo presents a powerful class analysis of the environmental issues, perspectives and solutions as seen through the lens of racism, community development and economic security. As we watch an entirely new âgreenâ economy (the Green Wave) emerging before our eyes, work-force development programs such as the Green-Collar Job Campaign create long-term economic development opportunities and security for disenfranchised populations. This also allows them to become directly involved in the environmental conversations, which directly impact their communities. Examples of green-collar job sectors include solar installation, transportation systems, recycling, bike repair, water conservation and weatherization programs. Similar successful efforts in Los Angeles, Chicago, the Bronx and other cities are discussed along with how these rapidly growing programs are funded. Agbo is passionately committed to the work of the Green Collar Jobs Campaign because she believes that the pressing environmental justice concerns are the civil rights movement of her generation.
Agbo gives a very optimistic, concise and information dense interview. Topics discussed are centered on the growing environmental justice movement and the path to eco-equity including? bridging the Environmental Justice and Social Justice movements; teaching anti-oppression and sustainability; creating green-collar jobs and pathways out of poverty; designing model cities; and, encouraging a politics of solution.
Campaign link? Green Collar Jobs
Recorded April, 2008
Link? http://www.ellabakercenter.org
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Sue Suprianos Steppin Out of Babylon is a radio interview series covering a broad range of important issues in todays world: peace and war, human and civil rights, communication, the media, the environment, food security, racism, globalization, immigration and matters of the spirit.