Montravias King & Paul Black
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Join us in celebrating the achievements of Mr. Paul Black, a native of Florence and a national Sierra Club Organizer working tirelessly in communities across the Palmetto to speed up the retirement of coal plants that continue to pollute air, water, and land in BIPOC communities in environmental sacrifice zones. Paul is known for being able to organize communities from across the state in support of campaigns that require people's power to propel them forward.
During his acceptance remarks earlier today, Paul Black, in a display of unwavering determination, stated, "We still have so much more to do. Polluters, bad actors, and power bills are rising, but so are we, the people. We know what to do, so let's do it."
Paul Black, a University of South Carolina Political Science graduate, has been a passionate advocate for South Carolina's air, land, and water. Since joining CVSC in 2018 as a Regional Field Director and later as Mobilization & Data Manager, he has galvanized advocates across the state to take action in support of transformational legislation. His work has led to significant milestones, including reauthorizing the South Carolina Conservation Bank, stopping offshore drilling, and passing the Energy Freedom Act. In 2022, Paul transitioned to the Sierra Club as a Senior Field Organizer, focusing on building resilient communities. Earlier this year, Paul played a pivotal role in defeating a dangerous fossil fuel-backed energy bill in the General Assembly, a testament to the significant positive impact of his work on the environment.
In a statement this afternoon, Sierra Club South Carolina Chapter Director Montravias King said, "Paul's commitment to ensuring a just transition that works for everyone, especially frontline communities of color that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is inspiring. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with him to build a more equitable and resilient South Carolina.
Paul's commitment to meaningful engagement and capacity-building within the environmental community has empowered countless individuals to become effective advocates for conservation. His willingness to share knowledge and resources, provide guidance, and inspire others exemplifies his dedication to cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders. It embodies the spirit and legacy of Harriet Keyserling.
Congratulations Paul!