February serves as a symbolic month of reflection and acknowledgment of the impacts, contributions, and successes of Black Americans in all spaces - both visible and unknown. Black environmentalists, outdoors enthusiasts, and environmental justice organizers have achieved victories rooted in our mission to rededicate ourselves to uprooting environmental racism, achieving collective liberation, and working to build a democracy where every person, voice, and vote counts.
Celebrating Sierra Club Leaders during Black History Month
Rhonda Anderson
When Rhonda Anderson became the first full-time environmental justice organizer in southeastern Michigan, she recognized that changing the approach of a large environmental organization with little experience addressing the harm caused disproportionately to communities of color was a huge task.
After over two decades of work, Rhonda transformed the Michigan Chapter and the Sierra Club’s view on justice and equity in environmental organizing. Not only did she change the Sierra Club from within, but she alsohelped change her community for the better by organizing volunteers to take on some of the biggest polluters in Michigan and winning huge victories for clean energy and clean air.
In 2019, Rhonda was awarded one of the state’s top environmental awards from the Michigan Environmental Council - The Helen & William Milliken Distinguished Service Award - in recognition of her role in advocating for the health of Southwest Detroit residents.
In 2023, Rhonda was elected to the Michigan Chapter’s executive committee, continuing her legacy as an advocate and leader. She continues to empower community members to engage in and lead the increasingly successful fight to end the environmental injustices in Detroit and across the state.
Trailblazer, Environmental Justice Advocate, Sierra Club Leader, Mother, Grandmother. Rhonda is an inspiration and role model in the fight to end injustice. Read more about Rhonda’s legacy with the Sierra Club HERE.
Ebony Elmore
Ebony has been a lifelong advocate for Detroit’s River Rouge and the environmental justice community. She co-founded the Just Transition team based in the tri-cities (River Rouge, Ecorse, and 48217), advocating for an environmentally ‘just’ transition to clean energy and green solutions for local communities. In 2023, she was elected to join the Michigan Chapter’s executive committee after being an active Sierra Club volunteer for years.
Ebony operates a daycare facility, where she has personally witnessed the impact of poor air quality on children - Nearly half of the kids under her care suffer from asthma. This firsthand experience propelled Ebony to advocate for improved air quality, asthma prevention, and treatment. She hosts an event called "It Takes a Village," which aims to educate residents about asthma prevention, treatment, and strategies to combat pollution.
Earlier this year, Ebony and fellow EJ activist Alisha Barnes in Washington D.C. to advocate for industrial decarbonization. Ebony spoke in front of a packed room(check out her speech below!) in the congressional building, lobbied representatives, and called on them to form an industrial decarbonization caucus in Congress.
Mother, Educator, Community Health Worker, Environmental and Social Justice Leader. Ebony is fighting for a brighter, cleaner, and more just future for Michigan.
January 17-18 Industrial Decarbonization Advocacy Days. Ebony Elmore gives a speech to members of Congress and DC staff on the need for a decarbonization caucus to promote environmental justice and improve public health for communities impacted by industrial pollution.
Deitra Covington
Deitra is a long-time Sierra Club leader and advocate in the environmental justice movement, especially for her community in River Rouge. She has been a driving force behind the Michigan Chapter's transformation into a more justice-focused organization.
In 2020, she led a 5-month bi-weekly series of Growth for Change workshops for Chapter staff and volunteers that ultimately led to the formation of our Race & Privilege Workgroup. She also helped establish the Environmental Justice Action Group and has continually shepherded chapter growth and education on equity issues.
When the Michigan Chapter Chair fell ill in 2020 and had to step down, Deitra took up the mantle and led the chapter’s executive committee. She demonstrated admirable leadership qualities, leading the committee and chapter with grace and efficiency, despite the challenges posed by the unexpected transition and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sierra Club is a 132-year-old organization with a complex history, some of which has caused significant and immeasurable harm to Black and Brown communities.
The club has had to evolve on issues of environmental justice, and Indigenous sovereignty. Deitra played a significant role in the ongoing transformation of the Sierra Club. She was part of the national Sierra Club Organizational Values Development Process and advocated for the necessary systemic changes to repair the damage caused by past actions. Her efforts aimed to make the organization more just and equitable. Deitra is a sustainability educator, a community activist, and a River Rouge leader. The Chapter has been lucky to have her as a leader and a voice for change.
