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It is our right to breathe.

For centuries, the South has laid the blueprint for the transformative movement toward international liberation and equity. This year, the We Shall Breathe Summit explores the interconnected struggles for climate justice, economic justice, and voting rights. Through compelling stories and innovative solutions, the summit amplifies the lived experiences of those most impacted, sparking a global dialogue that drives solidarity and collective action.

Special Performances by

Jade Novah

YelloPain

Ay Young

Summit Line-Up

Conscious Lee

Educator, Facilitator & Digital Storyteller

Hope Giselle-Godsey

American Activist and Author

Melissa Jun Rowley

Climate & Impact Advisor

Dominque Drakeford

Melanin & Sustainable Style

Queen Yonasda lonewolf

Revolutionary Healing

Leah Thomas

Intersectional Environmentalist

Niranjali Amerasinghe

ActionAid USA

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.

Hip Hop Caucus

Stephen Brown

Coalition for Green Capital

Keyona Meeks

BlackTech Capital

Reshonda Young

Bank of Jabez

Meghan Edge

Investment Advisor

Brittany Bell Surratt

Hip Hop Caucus

Bruno Olmedo Quiroga

Good Energy

Lucy von Sturmer

Creatives for Climate

Christopher Walton

Hip Hop Caucus

Jasmine Gil

Hip Hop Caucus

Stephone Coward

Hip Hop Caucus

A special underwater projects

Green Carpet Premiere

Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk, Virginia is sinking. It is more vulnerable than even New Orleans. The insufficient flood walls end where a housing project and a historic African American community begins. Underwater Projects mixes animation with live action to profile the area’s local leaders as they rush to create climate resilience plans to face an uncertain future. The film features narration by comedian Wanda Sykes and is directed by Liz Havstad.

Film Premiere line-up

Deirdre "Moma D" love

Teens with a Purpose

Malik Jordan

Teens with a Purpose

Elizabeth Yeampierre

UPROSE

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.

Executive Producer, Underwater Projects

Liz Havstad

Director, Underwater Projects

Samata Pattinson

Green Carpet Co-Host

JaRel Clay

Green Carpet Co-Host