This question put us on the road of discovery. After having worked to fight for and demand environmental justice for more than two decades, founder Donele Wilkins, was confronted with this conundrum. The search for authentic justice in the environment for the underrepresented, overburdened communities represented throughout Detroit and beyond became a challenge to find.

Thoughtfully, the mission began to take shape: To ensure that everyone can live and promote a sustainable lifestyle. Not to oversimplify but the truth is that every human being deserves to breathe clean air, drink safe and healthy water, learn in toxic free school buildings, and play safely in parks free from poisons. No one should be denied the ability to earn a life affirming, family supporting income. Environmental Justice embodies the right to enjoy life to its fullest. It is attainable and the Green Door Initiative has set its sight on this very achievable goal.

We launched in 2010 to offer the realizable goal of good paying jobs with a strong career path; advocating for equal protection under the law for environmental protection, opening doors for young people to find their place in the effort, seeking policy options in a diminishing climate which regulate African Americans and others to the bottom.

Environmental Justice affirms that we speak for ourselves. We are the champions we have been waiting on!!