This year, we reignited our membership outreach efforts, visiting new and familiar community groups, learning about the amazing work led by members from Spokane, Bellingham, Everson, Bow, Everett, Kent, Seattle, and Tacoma. Front and Centered’s new Membership Lead, Rebecca Rosado, has been “showing up and showing out” on the statewide tour with other members of TeamFC. Along the way, we have tried to not only listen and learn, but we have also celebrated the accomplishments of the coalition and the important role community members play in advancing the vision for a Just Transition. From passage of important groundbreaking legislation, like the Healthy Environment for All Act and Clean Energy Transformation Act, to engaging in community education efforts about climate justice and environmental health disparities in our statewide listening sessions, to providing and connecting to critical services during the height of the pandemic, we celebrate and honor the work of our incredible coalition of leaders.
As we close out Black History month, Front and Centered expresses our gratitude to, and excitement about the many Black-led community organizations and leaders with whom we have had the distinct honor of working with all over the state as members and collaborators for a Just Transition. The movement for climate justice draws from Black leaders and member organizations’ collective wisdom and leadership, from civil rights organizations, food justice innovators, re-entry providers, community development associations – NAACP – multiple chapters, Africatown, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Revive Center, Sunyata, Tacoma Ministerial Alliance and various Black member churches, The Noble Foundation, Southwest Communities United for Change, People Empowerment and Renewal Services, Washington Association of African Community Leaders, Plant Based Food Share. These are just a representative number of the many groups with whom we are honored to be in community.
Front and Centered was especially honored to receive its very first award from a community member, Tacoma Ministerial Alliance as the 2022 recipient of their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award. We are blessed and grateful for the recognition from one of the largest networks of Black churches in the Northwest, with a legacy of civil rights work and ministry to people who are most vulnerable. And yet, we also know that there is even more work to do to fully realize environmental justice and a Just Transition in Pierce County – from transportation infrastructure, multigenerational greener housing, parks for healthy playspace, equitable workforce development, community driven and sustainable opportunity and urban planning. Front and Centered looks forward to supporting Black Futures!
