The RECESS24: National Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference, held from September 9-11, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan, brought together nearly 600 entrepreneurs, environmental justice advocates, students, innovators, and industry leaders. Over the course of three days, participants explored critical issues around equity, opportunities, and innovation in the clean energy sector. With a focus on expediting a just and inclusive clean energy transition, the conference delivered impactful insights and practical solutions for creating a more equitable and sustainable future.
The event opened with a powerful keynote address from Carla Walker-Miller, founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, one of the country’s leading African-American and woman-owned energy efficiency companies. In her motivational remarks, Walker-Miller introduced the conference’s theme, “SOS: Expediting an Equitable Clean Energy Economy,” setting the tone for a gathering that would prioritize the voices of marginalized communities in shaping the future of clean energy.
"We are at a critical juncture," she emphasized. "This is our opportunity to ensure that equity is not just a talking point but a cornerstone of the clean energy revolution."
Karim Marshall, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), followed Walker-Miller’s address with a reminder about the ongoing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, encouraging attendees to explore opportunities to submit proposals for funding. He emphasized that initiatives like this are crucial to achieving the ambitious goals of the clean energy transition while ensuring that historically underserved communities benefit from these advancements.
Michigan's Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist took the stage on the opening night with a keynote address titled “Advancing an Equitable, Clean Energy Future,” where he underscored Michigan's role as a leader in the fight against climate change and stressed the importance of inclusive policies that uplift all communities.
One of the conference's signature moments was the participation of Mayor Mike Duggan, alongside other climate mayors, in a panel discussion about city-level leadership in climate action. Additionally, Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health, spoke on the intersection of clean energy and public health, highlighting how the two sectors are interconnected in creating healthier, more sustainable cities.
Shalanda Baker, architect of the federal Justice40 Initiative, shared her expertise on how the Justice40 framework ensures that 40% of the benefits from federal climate and energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Baker’s insights underscored the importance of intentional, inclusive policymaking in the clean energy transition.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in dynamic panel discussions that covered a wide range of topics, including the role of AI in clean energy, the unique challenges faced by Indigenous and Hispanic communities in the clean energy transition, and entrepreneurial opportunities in a decarbonized economy. Industry experts from across the country shared their knowledge, sparking meaningful conversations about how to bridge the gap between innovation and equity.
A notable highlight was the Clean Energy Workforce Development Celebration Luncheon, which recognized individuals who had completed Building Performance Institute (BPI) programs, marking a milestone in their professional journeys. Natalie King, founder and CEO of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners and the only African American woman to lead an EV charging station manufacturing company, delivered a stirring presentation on EV entrepreneurship. King shared her personal journey and the challenges she overcame, inspiring future clean energy entrepreneurs in attendance.
The conference also featured a showcase by Argonne National Laboratory, which presented the EcoCar EV Challenge, a four-year collegiate competition that offers hands-on experience in automotive engineering with a focus on electric vehicle technology. The event drew widespread interest, especially from students eager to contribute to the growing field of EVs.
The Kresge Foundation served as the presenting sponsor of RECESS24, with additional top-tier sponsors including Ameren, DTE, the Knight Foundation, Consumers Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Their support underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing the clean energy economy.
As the conference concluded, attendees were already looking forward to RECESS25, set to take place from October 7-9, 2025 at the Marriott @ the Renaissance Center - Detroit, Michigan. With the continued commitment to equity and clean energy, the momentum built at RECESS24 will undoubtedly carry forward into the future, driving meaningful change across communities nationwide.
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