By Chris Richburg
Grammy award-winning rap star Coolio is leading the charge to educate students at historically black colleges and university's (HBCU’s) about the global warming crisis.
The rapper will join jazz saxophonist Jarez as spokespersons for the EJCC HBCU Initiative, a program organized by the Environmental Justice and Climate Change's (EJCC).
The effort was officially launched Friday (July 11) on "Just Environment," an EJCC-sponsored urban talk radio program that addresses environmental issues through informative discussions of problems and solutions for healthy, sustainable lifestyles.
The show, hosted by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks, airs weekly at noon on WCLK 91.9 and live online at www.wclk.com.
According to EJCC director Nia Robinson, the new campaign is geared toward engaging a "diverse group of African American youth in the fight for climate justice."
"Whether they're old school hip-hop fans, jazz enthusiasts, or among the neo-soul crew, we want them focused on climate change," said Robinson, who voiced EJCC’s excitement with helping Coolio and Jarez reach out to fans to promote she called "environmental sustainability."
A partnership with former Vice President Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection's "We" campaign, the EJCC HBCU initiative is dedicated towards encouraging black youth to discuss climate change.
As part of the effort, the EJCC will train and organize students on black college campuses to promote the greening of university grounds, grow support for climate justice and encourage HBCU presidents to sign on to a presidents climate commitment.
"The effects of climate change fall disproportionately on people of color, Indigenous Peoples, and low-income communities," said Robinson about the importance of student involvement in the initiative. "Black college students must be on the frontlines educating their communities and contributing their voices to the policy debate."
The EJCC HBCU initiative is among a string of happenings involving Coolio, who is currently working on his forthcoming CD, Steal Hear, and preparing for the debut of his new reality show Coolio's Rules.
The series, which will air on The Oxygen Channel this fall, revolves around Coolio’s life as a family man with his children.