This award celebrates the legacy of an environmental justice leader and honors community-based activism by people of color in driving environmental progress.
Vote Solar is proud to honor outstanding energy justice heroes with the Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award (formerly the Solar Justice Award). The award celebrates the legacy of a tireless community and environmental justice leader, Dr. Espanola Jackson, by recognizing Black, Indigenous, and leaders of color representing organizations that are working at the local community or state level who are:
- Long-time leaders in their communities (10+ years of work in energy or environmental justice), may be located anywhere in the U.S. or territories
- Dedicated to improving health and well-being in their community through clean energy
- Strong coalition builders– able to mobilize support both within and around their community
- Working at the intersection of racial justice & clean energy access
- Working both to stop the extractive polluting energy economy and bring health, jobs, and savings to their community via clean energy opportunities
- Influencing the state or local energy policy agenda through direct grassroots advocacy
These award recipients serve as models of environmental justice leadership and inspire us all to work toward a just clean energy transition. In giving this award, Vote Solar aims to honor the critically important role of community-based activism by people of color in driving environmental progress and to increase visibility for the remarkable work of individual leaders.
The awardee will:
- Be featured in a short film to highlight their story, work, and accomplishments;
- Receive $10,000 to the individual awardee or a 501c3 of their choice
Learn more about the life and legacy of Dr. Espanola Jackson:
- Vote Solar Honors Dr. Espanola Jackson for Women’s History Month
- The San Francisco community remembers Dr. Jackson
- Celebrating the charismatic life of Dr. Jackson
- Watch: How Dr. Jackson became a solar ambassador for low-income families, working with GRID Alternatives to go solar at home in 2009.
