The Dream Reborn

Van Jones (Co-founder of Dream Reborn and Activist) and Us
Majora Carter(2nd to left),Winona La Duke, Baye Wilson(far right), Van Jones(center)

Tennessee Youth Choir
Honorable D'Army Bailey
Afeni Shakur
Dr. Bullard

This weekend, Andrea and I attended "The Dream Reborn" hosted by Green 4 All in Memphis, Tennessee. We were very excited to be surrounded by current and future leaders of environmental justice, social justice, and economic development for everyone, especially people of color and low income populations that are disproportionately affected. It is time for a change and we were super excited to see so many people ready for justice and equality. It was especially touching because the conference was held on the 40th anniversary of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. He did not die at the Lorraine hotel because his words and his dreams transcend through me, Andrea, and millions of people who are ready to say,"Enough!!! It's time for change." Injustice is getting old, and we're tired of it.

We met many people that inspire us daily, Dr. Robert Bullard (founder of the Environmental Justice Movement), Majora Carter, Van Jones, Winona Laduke, Afeni Shakur, the Honorable D'Army Bailer, Baye Adofo-Wilson, and 100s of eager and inspirational young leaders.


Empower yourselves because sometimes you are the help that you've been waiting for :)

Sweat Equity

On Monday, 3/17/08, Yasmin and Andrea got down and dirty at the homes. They decided to invest in a little curb appeal and move the salvaged wood inside. Not only does this preserve the wood's sexy, but also when it's stacked and organized it's makes for better use.

Clinton Global Initiative 2008

On March 14-15, 2008 Andrea Floyd and Yasmin Bowers participated in the CGI-University forum as facilitators for Climate Change and Energy. Our blended backgrounds of environmental science, global policy, public health, urban ecology, and disaster management, served as an asset to the table discussions. We met several people in the industry, but most of all we were able to speak with motivated students and share our passions with them. The positivity is what keeps us motivated to continue Consciously Rebuilding. It is definitely hard and trying at times, but events like these makes it rewarding.

The Next American City Magazine Panel

On March 6, 2008 Andrea Floyd represented Consciously Rebuilding as a member of a discussion panel for The Next American City Magazine. There, she discussed opportunities that have been made available after Katrina and the need for innovation for small businesses. It is crucial that young people are encouraged to participate in the rebuilding process. There were various young professionals, social advocates, professors, and students that participated in the dialogue.

SCAD Design Charette for the other 90%

On 3/11/2008, Yasmin Bowers was afforded the opportunity to share with students and faculty of Savannah College of Art and Design our efforts in New Orleans. She spoke about our rebuilding efforts as it relates to the other 90%--the majority of the world who do not have the financial means to afford the latest designs or technologies. After being hit by Katrina, New Orleans is definitely relevant to this issue. The video footage contains the majority of that speech in which Yasmin discusses the challenges and rewards of having a "Green" Non-profit in a post-Disaster city and the importance of community involvement to sustain our efforts.