ABOUT US
BLACK CHURCHES HAVE ALWAYS LED SOCIAL MOVEMENTS.
WHY NOT CLIMATE JUSTICE?
"Our goal is to not only raise awareness but to mobilize. A recent survey from Yale University
and George Mason University showed that only 12% of African Americans knew what climate
justice was, but once they learned, 70% wanted to take action. That’s why we use music,
spirituality, and storytelling. Those are the tools that have always shaped and changed culture.
As people of faith, we know that caring for the Earth is a responsibility given to us by God.
Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a moral one, deeply connected to
justice and equity. The Bible calls us to be stewards of creation, to protect the vulnerable, and
to stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves. This is exactly what we’re doing at
Climate Revival. Our churches have been on the front lines of every major movement for
change—from civil rights to voting rights—and now, just as they were in Martin Luther King Jr.’s
age, they must be on the frontlines fighting for the planet and its people, too."
(Excerpt taken from Atmos op-ed. CLICK HERE TO READ.)
“MY PEOPLE PERISH FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE”
— HOSEA 4:6
Our Work... Climate & Faith
• Environmental Justice and the Black Church:
◦ Black communities are often on the frontlines of climate change, facing the brunt of environmental pollution and the effects of climate change like heat waves, floods, and storms.
◦ The Black church, a historically important institution in the African American community, is uniquely positioned to address these issues and advocate for environmental justice.
◦ The Black church has a long history of social justice activism, and many are now applying this tradition to climate action.
• Faith-Based Climate Action:
◦ Many faith leaders, including those in the Black church, are calling for urgent action on climate change, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect God's creation and vulnerable communities.
◦ The Black church is using its spiritual and cultural traditions to engage in climate action, including through music, storytelling, and community organizing.
• The Role of the Black Church in the Broader Climate Movement:
◦ The Black church is an important voice in the broader faith-based environmental movement, working with other religious organizations to advocate for climate action.
◦ The Black church's engagement in climate action is a testament to its commitment to social justice and its role as a leader in the fight for a sustainable future.
Our Mission... Awareness & Advocacy
• Policy Change & Civic Engagement:
Advocating for climate-friendly policies at local, national, and international levels, such as promoting renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuels especially petrochemicals, and stopping subsidies
• Public Education and Awareness:
Raising public awareness about climate change and its impacts, and promoting climate action through education, outreach, and advocacy campaigns.
• Community Engagement:
Engaging with local faith communities to address climate change challenges and empower them to take action.
• Climate Justice:
Addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and promoting climate justice. (Cancer Alley, Freeport TX, New Jersey, etc)
• Climate Revival Events and Programs:
Our current political gridlock strip away the layers that divide us but through faith we can find the root of what brings us together. Revivals with singing, storytelling and preaching allows us to connect and nurture a common ground in communities where true change can begin.
Our Founders
Antonique Smith
CEO/Co-founder
Antonique Charmaine Smith, the 2025 Ambassador of Earth Day, is a critically acclaimed Broadway, film, and television actor, a GRAMMY-nominated artist and writer, and a passionate social, climate, and environmental justice "artivist".
Antonique first garnered attention in her buzzworthy leading role in "Rent" on Broadway as Mimi Marquez and then became famous for her starring role as Faith Evans in the movie "Notorious." Since then, she has continued to captivate audiences with her powerful performances across film and television.
Having been dubbed "the voice of the movement" by famed climate activist Bill McKibben, Antonique believes the arts and culture are necessary to affect change in the world. Antonique was honored by Grist in 2018, being named one of Grist’s 50 Fixers. She also received the "Visionary Leaders Award" from Physicians for Social Responsibility. She taught a master class at the United Nations during COP21 in Paris and also sang for the Pope at his climate rally before over 100,000 people on the National Mall in D.C. In addition to these accomplishments, Antonique has been deeply involved in numerous other impactful initiatives and has used her voice to help various organizations raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the movement.
Antonique’s faith has always been the foundation of her life, and the creation of Climate Revival allows her to mobilize fellow people of faith and people of color to unite in the fight against climate change and environmental and economic injustices. 🌻
Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.
co-founder
Van Jones calls Rev Yearwood, the Martin Luther King Jr. of the Environmental Justice movement. Former President Barack Obama calls, Rev Yearwood a Climate Champion. Vice President Kamala Harris calls Rev Yearwood an inspirational force for change. Former Congressman John Lewis called Rev Yearwood a friend. Mayor Michael Bloomberg calls Rev Yearwood an advisor. Former Vice President Al Gore calls Rev Yearwood one of the most influential people in the climate movement. Former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson (now at Apple) calls Rev Yearwood a cultural force for change. EPA Administrator Michael Regan calls Rev Yearwood the heartbeat of the Environmental Justice Movement. Time Magazine 100 recipient Ms. Sharon Lavigne calls Rev Yearwood, family. Environmentalists Bill McKibben calls Rev Yearwood the moral voice of the climate movement. Rolling Stone Magazine calls Rev Yearwood a Green Hero. Forbes Magazine calls Rev Yearwood a Top Sustainability Leader, and Climate Revival calls Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., our Co founder 🌻