( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) HBCU Green Fund Highlights Sister City Connections and Sustainable Development
During Black History Month, the HBCU Green Fund began a significant trade mission to Senegal involving 22 Black women, including elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and businesswomen. The mission aimed to strengthen economic, cultural, and humanitarian bonds, particularly between Forest Park, Georgia, and Yene, Senegal. The delegation, led by Felicia Davis, included prominent figures such as GA State Rep. Rhonda Burnough, Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, and Palmetto Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith.
The week-long visit was packed with events to foster collaboration and understanding. A highlight was the warm welcome from Yene Mayor Massamba Mbengue, featuring cultural celebrations and a boat race, solidifying the Sister City relationship. Delegates toured schools, health clinics, and the HBCU Green Fund’s English & STEM Education Center, donating supplies. They also visited historical sites like Gorée Island, reflecting on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, and observed the impacts of climate change on local communities.
The delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Senegalese officials and business leaders, including the Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition and representatives from DP World. These meetings focused on potential partnerships in logistics, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Mayor Butler emphasized the potential for student exchange programs, leveraging Forest Park’s logistics hub and Yene’s port.
The mission underscored the power of women-led initiatives in driving global sustainability, economic growth, and change. The HBCU Green Fund’s commitment to supporting climate solutions and empowering communities was evident throughout the trip. The fund plans to expand its programs, including ongoing student exchanges and sustainability projects. For more information on the HBCU Green Fund, visit hbcugreenfund.org.
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