As the weather heats up and the sun keeps shining, June is an excellent time to get outdoors and explore the beautiful scenery of Idaho. Historically, June is LGBTQA+ Pride Month, which celebrates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. This June was also the first Juneteenth celebrated as a federal holiday! Juneteenth marks the anniversary of the federal order, which ended slavery in Texas. To honor the month of June, I wanted to spotlight a queer environmentalist and a black environmentalist to highlight these leaders in the green movement!
Lisa P. Jackson
Lisa P. Jackson was the first African-American Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Service when she was nominated during the Obama Administration. She served in the position from 2009 to 2013. Jackson was a key player in bringing the conversation of environmental justice to the public stage. Jackson also issued standards to improve air quality and vehicle emissions to help improve the health of Americans. She currently serves as Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.
Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson was an environmental protection pioneer throughout her career, but most notably with the publication of “Silent Spring.” “Silent Spring” primarily called out the harmful impacts DDT, a synthetic insecticide, had on humans and the natural environment, especially on Bald Eagle populations. Carson faced widespread criticism and attack from the chemical industry and its supporters after the book’s publishing. However, she testified in front of Congress in 1963 and stayed true to her mission until her death in 1964.
These are two fantastic role models to celebrate, but there are many more I could’ve mentioned here. Though June is a great time to lift up queer and black leaders, make sure to educate yourself and uplift diverse changemakers throughout the entire year.