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Writer's pictureLauriel Stewart

ANNOUNCING: 9th Annual Black Sustainability Summit Speakers

Updated: Oct 16

Prepare to be inspired and energized as trailblazers, visionaries, and activists come together to forge a future rooted in sustainability, equity, and justice for global Black communities at the 9th Annual Black Sustainability Summit (#BSS2024).


This year's summit brings diverse expertise across a vast spectrum of sustainability solutions, from innovations in energy access to critical topics of maternal health. #BSS2024 is more than just an event—it’s a call to action. Join us for an unforgettable experience that merges data + art + climate solutions all rooted in an Afrikan-centered worldview.


Check out our 2024 presenters who will be sharing their insights and expertise at this year's Black Sustainability Summit.




Raina Turner-Greenlea | Black Sustainability, Inc.

Raina is a mother and wife with a passion for creating and supporting healthy, sustainable communities by applying indigenous wisdom and exchanging best practices to (re)develop/support sustainable communities without contributing to irreversible damage to the planet. For the past 7 years Raina has been serving in a leadership capacity with Black Sustainability, Inc. as the founder and executive director, developing a responsive database to connect Black Sustainability practitioners to global contracts and grassroots + grasstop projects that contribute to sustainable development. She is also working with her family to revive 160 acres of family land as a model.


Omotola Oladapo | Black Sustainability, Inc.

Omotola Oladapo, a Nigerian international student, recently graduated with a master's in public policy and will begin a Ph.D. in Public Affairs and Policy. She founded an NGO addressing education for out-of-school children in Nigeria and has over 10 years of volunteer experience with global organizations. Omotola is dedicated to empowering communities through education and service.


Dr. Erica Holloman | Ayika Solutions, Inc.

Dr. Erica Holloman, aka Dr. E, earned her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science and M.S. in Biology from Hampton University. In 2012, she obtained her Ph.D. in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. She specializes in marine and climate science, environmental justice, and community-based research. Dr. E founded Ayika Solutions, Inc. in 2016, a consulting firm providing sustainable environmental solutions in the Southeast USA.


Ogbonna Hagins | Philadelphia Reparations Coalition

Ogbonna Hagins is a fourth-generation survivor of American chattel slavery and an advocate for the 13th Amendment. A former architectural design teacher and founder of Philly Word Magazine, Hagins has made an impact on hip-hop culture and environmental justice through his business Philly Green Man. He has also run for local government, advocating for reparations for American Freedmen, while continuing to support his family and the community.


Mike Tekh Strode | Kola Nut Collaborative

Mike Strode is a Chicago-based community strategist, educator, and founder of the Kola Nut Collaborative, the city’s only timebank. With a background in IT and community organizing, he has promoted mutual aid and cooperative principles. As Program Officer at Open Collective Foundation, he helped expand its funding and supported over 600 projects. Mike serves on several boards and has led workshops on governance and social exchange, becoming a prominent figure in the cooperative movement.


Tanita Gray | Shoe Waste LLC

Tanita Gray is an experienced footwear developer with a focus on addressing shoe waste. After over 17 years in the industry creating shoes, she is now committed to promoting sustainable practices. Her work aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of footwear consumption.


Joshua Forte | Red Diamond Compost, Inc.

Joshua Forte is the founder and CEO of Red Diamond Compost Inc., specializing in climate-resilient agriculture through organic biostimulants derived from seaweed. His work addresses soil degradation and food security in the Caribbean, earning him national and international recognition. Joshua's innovative efforts support regenerative agriculture and have been celebrated by organizations like One Young World and The Commonwealth.


Madelyn Collins | Artivist

Madelyn Collins is a joy and narrative artivist committed to using creative spaces for cultural preservation and environmental advocacy. She co-leads the Black Girl Environmentalist Knoxville Hub and founded Knox Community Street Dance. Trained in Justice40 implementation, she grooves and moves to create and connect social narratives that move away from the extractive consumption of planet and people, and instead embrace a future grounded in energy liberation, social wellness, and kindness.


Dr. Kristian Edwards | BLK+GRN

Dr. Kristian Edwards is the founder of BLK + GRN, an incubator and marketplace for Black-owned, natural personal care brands. Since its launch in 2017, BLK + GRN has elevated over 100 brands and fulfilled 18,500 orders. A graduate of Yale and Johns-Hopkins, her work in wellness and entrepreneurship has been featured in major media outlets, including Essence and Forbes.


Iya Abiye Mawusi Ashshakir | The Mothership Institute

Iya Abiye Mawusi Ashshakir is a traditional midwife, childbirth educator, and holistic birth doula with over 23 years of experience. She founded The Mothership Institute to combat infant mortality in Black communities and train birth doulas. Committed to preserving Afrikan Traditional Grand Midwifery, she continues to lead efforts to address health disparities in maternal care.







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