Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign is joining with the Blairisms for a series of conversations about climate justice and The African Diaspora leading up to the 27th UN Climate Conference or Conference of Parties (COP), to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in late 2022.
Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley created the #BLAIRISMS in 2016 because they wanted more clothing in their closet that celebrated Black culture, the beauty in the African diaspora and the impact Black people have on global culture. As educators and entrepreneurs, they believe that everyone can celebrate Black culture, support Black business, and live a life full of INSPIRATION, REFLECTION and LAUGHTER.
Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign works to address structural racism and inequity through its work to combat the climate crisis, which includes movement building internationally, diaspora engagement and just transition by building transformative relationships for social and economic justice.
This partnership brings together the two brands for a series of engaging conversations around global climate justice and the African Diaspora. You’ll hear from grassroots leaders in Africa working in their communities to combat the climate crisis and we’ll make the connection between their work and the African Diaspora.
As the world prepares for the next UN Climate Conference, hosted in Egypt, the issues confronting Africa should be at the center of the conversation. Join us each month for a new conversation! Watch past conversations below and sign up now to be updated as new conversations happen each month.
January 2022 Conversation
In our kickoff conversation, we discuss the impact of climate change on Africa and people of the African Diaspora. Along with Blair and Brandon of the Blairisms and Sierra Club’s Cherelle Blazer, you’ll hear from Spoken Word Artist Sunni Patterson and Nbani Friday Barilule, a climate leader based in Nigeria.
Featuring:
- The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
- Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
- Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
- Nbani Friday Barilule, Executive Director at Lekeh Development Foundation
February 2022 Conversation
In our February discussion, we're joined by special guest Tarriona "Tank" Ball of Tank and the Bangas as we discuss the impact of climate change on frontline communities from New Orleans to Kenya. Along with Blair and Brandon of the Blairisms and Sierra Club’s Cherelle Blazer, you’ll hear from Spoken Word Artist Sunni Patterson who captures the conversation with a spoken word performance at the end of the hour.
Featuring:
- Special guest Tarriona "Tank" Ball of Tank and the Bangas
-
The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
- Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
- Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
March 2022 Conversation
In our March conversation, we join Blair and Brandon at the World Expo in Dubai and discuss the impact of fossil fuels and climate change on South Africa with Lorraine Chiponda of the International Coal Network. Joining the conversation are Sierra Club’s Cherelle Blazer and special guest Conscious Lee.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* Conscious Lee, Educator and social media sensation
* Lorraine Chiponda, Africa Coal Coordinator, International Coal Network
April 2022 Conversation
In our April conversation, Lorraine Chiponda of the Africa Coal Network spoke about South Africa's recent torrential rains, inspiring a conversation about climate mitigation. Special guest Conscious Lee spoke about the complicity of corporations in the climate crisis, leading to a conversation about corporate accountability. Sunni Paterson joined to close out the conversation with a spoken word performance.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* Conscious Lee, Educator and social media sensation
* Lorraine Chiponda, Africa Coal Coordinator, International Coal Network
* Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
May 2022 Conversation
In our May conversation, grassroots leader Omar Elmawi joined us from Kenya to discuss efforts to stop the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Special guest, artist TC Carson spoke about the things he does to limit his impact on the environment. Spoken word artist Sunni Paterson closed out the conversation with an inspiring performance.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* TC Carson, Artist, Singer, Actor, Dancer
* Omar Elmawi, Coordinator of the STOP EACOP Campaign
* Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
June 2022 Conversation
In our June conversation, Cherelle joined us from the Bonn Climate Change Conference and provided an update about international conversations over climate mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damages. Special guest, professional storyteller Shaun Derik spoke about how storytelling can help people envision a different future. Spoken word artist Sunni Paterson closed out the conversation with a performance reflecting the month's conversation.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* Shaun Derik, Professional Storyteller
* Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
July 2022 Conversation
In our July conversation, Nbani Friday joined us from Nigeria and spoke about the toll that oil and gas exploitation has taken on communities in the Niger Delta, including the Ogoni People. Cherelle connected the struggle in Nigeria to the broader global struggle against oil and gas “sacrifice zones” like those in the Gulf South. Spoken word artist Sunni Paterson closed out the conversation with a performance reflecting the month's conversation.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* Nbani Friday, Coordinator of Nigeria Coal Network
* Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
August 2022 Conversation
In our August conversation, special guest musician Dee-1 joined us and the group reflected on 17 years since Hurricane Katrina. Cherelle joined the conversation from South Africa at the Africa Coal Network conference and introduced us to some of the grassroots leaders working on key campaigns across Africa. Spoken word artist Sunni Paterson closed out the conversation with a performance reflecting the month's conversation.
Featuring:
* The Blairisms, Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley
* Cherelle Blazer, Senior Director of Sierra Club’s International Climate and Policy Campaign
* Dee-1, Musician
* Lorraine Chiponda, Africa Coal Network alongside grassroots leaders from Zimbabwe and Ghana
* Sunni Patterson, Spoken Word Artist
Sign up now and we'll update you as new conversations happen each month!