404ward

Meet the disruptors inspiring Black communities to change the environment – and the world

How four Atlanta-based leaders are bringing diversity to environmental justice.
Diamond Spratling is the founder and CEO of Girl Plus Environment, a nonprofit organization that engages and empowers Black and brown girls to get involved in climate change and environmental issues.

Credit: Michael Dominick Fortunato

Diamond Spratling is the founder and CEO of Girl Plus Environment, a nonprofit organization that engages and empowers Black and brown girls to get involved in climate change and environmental issues.
April 30, 2025

Several Black Atlanta change agents are creating programs and solutions to engage Black communities around environmental issues.

Nonprofit organizers and scientists are focusing on addressing clean air, water, climate change and renewable energy. Storytellers are using literacy and greenspaces to create fun and fresh narratives about nature that connect with younger audiences.

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ExploreUATL's new ’404ward’ series profiles Atlantans influencing Black culture
Children's book author Reesa Shayne is responsible for 2024's "I Breathe For Me," a colorful picture book with rhymes about a young girl embracing breathing and going outside to build her inner strength. (Courtesy of Reesa Shayne)

Credit: Reesa Shayne

Children's book author Reesa Shayne is responsible for 2024's "I Breathe For Me," a colorful picture book with rhymes about a young girl embracing breathing and going outside to build her inner strength. (Courtesy of Reesa Shayne)

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ExploreKeyatta Mincey Parker is planting seeds of community for Atlanta bartenders
Melissa Ellis is the founder and CEO of Life Beyond Water Global Outreach, a Stockbridge, Georgia-based nonprofit organization that works to provide clean water to underserved communities. (Courtesy of Melissa Ellis)

Credit: Melissa Ellis

Melissa Ellis is the founder and CEO of Life Beyond Water Global Outreach, a Stockbridge, Georgia-based nonprofit organization that works to provide clean water to underserved communities. (Courtesy of Melissa Ellis)

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Explore404ward: What Atlanta's iconic area code really means
Atlanta inventor Lonnie Johnson, the creator of the Super Soaker, stands next to a sputtering system machine in his labs in downtown Atlanta on Oct. 20, 2008. (AJC File Photo)

Credit: AJC File Photo

Atlanta inventor Lonnie Johnson, the creator of the Super Soaker, stands next to a sputtering system machine in his labs in downtown Atlanta on Oct. 20, 2008. (AJC File Photo)

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About the Author

Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.