Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award

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 leaders of color who are:

Long-time leaders in their communities (may be located anywhere in the U.S.)
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 a model 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 awardee’s organization from Vote Solar
Have the option to receive up to 10 hours of support from Vote Solar’s philanthropy team to build their fundraising capacity and connections

2022 Energy Justice Award Winner: Charles Callaway

Vote Solar is proud to honor Charles Callaway, an outstanding energy justice hero, with the 2022 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 individuals of color who serve as a model of environmental justice leadership and inspire us all to work toward a just clean energy transition. As the Director of Workforce Development at WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Harlem resident, Charles utilizes his long history of working with and leading empowerment programs throughout Harlem. Read the full press release here.

Energy Justice Award Top 3 Nominees