“A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights as the biggest most powerful possess.” – A. Phillip Randolph

We at NCLCV are invested in having a democracy where all voices are heard. We believe in a just transition to a clean energy economy. What we mean by that is we believe in an economy that works for all people AND for the environment. Not just for the few at the top.

Organizing with other community based groups and developing community leaders is how we get to a just transition. Green jobs are a key step in this process. Naturally, partnering with the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) moves us closer to the vision of a just transition.

APRI was founded in 1965 by A. Phillip Randolph and Bayard Rustin to forge an alliance between the civil rights movement and the labor movement (Voting Rights Act). Some of the movements APRI engages in include advocating for civil rights, living wages, full employment economy and training programs. Clearly, all of those issues are in line with a just transition.

NCLCV and APRI have had several community dialogues with the Raleigh chapter and their youth chapter to learn what issues community members in Wake County are dealing with. APRI is one of the oldest organizations that has been talking about green jobs and is also one of our strongest allies. We look forward to organizing with APRI and seeing how our combined power shapes our democracy.

You can stay connected to APRI here in North Carolina via their Facebook page.

Kaji Reyes, Raleigh Field Organizer, can be reached at kaji@nclcv.org or at 919.839.0006 x121.