Strange weather patterns are becoming more common. With warmer winters triggering an earlier allergy season, we can see firsthand that the Earth is changing. The Black Environmental Leaders (BEL) are a community-focused group leading the charge in climate activism and environmental justice. BEL works to provide a forum for community environmental education and engagement.
Laying the blueprint
The greater Cleveland-based organization links a network of BIPOC leaders within every sector of the green economy to share relevant data and resources. Their strategy is to “advocate, incubate and inform.” They do this by utilizing various forms of multimedia and by hosting free public events.
“We give education and resources that cover water, solar, air and land. Some of our board members have a big interest in electric cars, so there’s been some organizing around that,” said Queen Enigmatic, the group’s office administrator. “We have collaborated with different organizations, we have monthly discussions, we’ve done panels, webinars and plenty of in-person events.”
As the conversation around environmental justice becomes more and more important, BEL continues its advocacy through education and community engagement. Enigmatic emphasized the importance of staying connected with each other and inviting young people to the conversation.
“A lot of this information isn’t necessarily readily available. The times are changing,” Enigmatic said. “The youth that are coming up now are our future. We need to share with them the tools needed to save our planet and to keep us healthy and safe.
Raising awareness for environmental justice
Enigmatic explained how BEL was born.
“The organization was started by Jacquie E. Gillon in 2020. Her focus was to bring awareness to environmental justice to people who knew nothing about it, like myself,” Enigmatic said. “She was doing a lot of really great things.”
During her career, Gillon served as a member of the East Cleveland City Council, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s Thriving Communities program and as a trainer and mentor to 29 classes of leaders at the Neighborhood Leadership Institute. Gillon died in 2021. After she passed, other members in the organization stepped up to continue her legacy.
“SeMia Bray and David Wilson, who are now the co-directors of BEL, really stepped up in a big way. We have 250 members, so it was important for everyone that this work continues.”
The organization continues to do the work, with Gillon’s mission always at the forefront.
Getting involved
BEL offers several levels of membership. The group is open to people of all races and ages.
Along with events like their solar eclipse party or their upcoming Juneteenth celebration, BEL offers plenty of chances for members to get involved.
BEL is looking forward to more opportunities to connect with the community and to spread awareness. If you have more questions about the work they are doing or would like additional information, feel free to call 440-586-8577 or visit their website.