The mission of the Black Resilience Network is to catalyze leadership development, collaboration, and investments so Black towns, communities, and organizations can successfully play their vital roles in the disaster and climate resilience ecosystem. We have over 100 members across 23 states who are doing amazing work to support the long and painful recovery process with community members. The following are some of our members who are actively leading recovery efforts. Many of them are also involved in responding to the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Light Up Lawndale, West Side Long Term Recovery Committee, Chicago, Cook County, IL - Ms. Princess Shaw The Forgotten Westside Flood Victims : Light Up Lawndale has been leading the disaster case management efforts on the Westside of Chicago. Cook County experienced a severe flood event in early July 2023 which left at least 200-300 homes on the West Side of Chicago, mostly seniors and single-family homes, with...
2024 Climate & Disaster Resilience Roundtable: Black Resilience Network Returns to DC for Relationship Building, Education, and Advocacy
In February of 2023, the Black Resilience Network co-hosted the first convening at the White House focused on climate resilience in Black communities. There were over 75 attendees including 24 representatives of the Black Resilience Network, federal agencies, trade associations, and other Black-led organizations. We had a follow up meeting after the roundtable at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters with FEMA officials and representatives from the FEMA African American Federal Employee Resource Group (FERG). Since February 2023, the Black Resilience Network has supported several community based organizations with their post-disaster recovery efforts through our Emergency Operations Centers. We also expanded the membership to over 100 organizations across 22 states. Pre-Roundtable Activities FEMA Risk & Crisis Communications Summit On June 10, 2024, a group of Black Resilience Network members attended the 2024 FEMA Risk & Crisis Communications Summit at th...