NKwanda Jah

Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award Selection Committee Member

NKwanda Jah was selected as the 2024 recipient of the Dr. Espanola Jackson Energy Justice Award!

With over 40 years dedicated to advancing energy equity and environmental justice, NKwanda’s work is deeply rooted in her lived experiences. Growing up on her family’s rural farm, she understands the intricate connections between community well-being and the environment. Her passion for creating a sustainable future goes beyond environmental concerns, encompassing social needs, education, healthcare, and a just transition to clean energy.

In 2017, NKwanda established the Alachua County NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee (ECJC), uniting local environmental groups to focus on equity and justice. Through the ECJC, she has organized six well-attended community forums addressing pressing issues such as energy access, food security, climate change, affordable housing, and equitable transitions to clean energy. These forums have provided critical information in accessible formats, fostering community discussions that lead to concrete solutions.

Most recently, NKwanda led the development of the EMPOWER Coalition, which has been recognized by the US Department of Energy as a LEAP Community in both 2022 and 2024. This groundbreaking Coalition brings together city and county governments, educational institutions, local nonprofits, and resident associations from three underserved communities. Together, they are working to expand energy efficiency, weatherization services, and access to green jobs, all while addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by communities of color in Alachua County.

Through the EMPOWER project, NKwanda is forging a leadership group of residents who collaborate to negotiate solutions for an equitable energy transition, ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. Her unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to be a leader in our communities.