The Laura Goldin Lecture Series on Climate Change, Health and Social Justice
In spring 2020, students submitted a proposal to the Brandeis Sustainability Fund for a multi-year lecture series to provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom that focus on the intersection of climate change and environmental and social justice. The students voted to name the series in honor of Professor Emerita of Environmental Studies Laura Goldin, who not only led the development of the Environmental Studies program at Brandeis, but also became a champion of environmental health and justice for both the Brandeis community and the city of Waltham.
Upcoming speakers
Maria Belen Power
Presentation and panel discussion in collaboration with the Heller School of Social Policy and Management. Part of Brandeis' Year of Climate Action.
September 28, 2022
Maria Belen Power is the Associate Executive Director of GreenRoots, a community-based organization dedicated to improving and enhancing the urban environment and public health in Chelsea and surrounding communities. Maria Belen oversees GreenRoots’ environmental justice campaigns and supports the work of the organizing team. She represents GreenRoots in the Green Justice Coalition of the Greater Boston Area as well as national movements for environmental and climate justice. Maria Belen was appointed by President Biden to serve on the newly established White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC), which advises the executive branch on all issues related to environmental and climate justice.
Maria's talk will be followed by a panel discussion on questions of environmental & climate justice with alumni from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management.
Past speakers
“When the Land Speaks: A Journey into the Stories, Songs and Culture of the Living Presence of Nipmuc People” with Larry Spotted Crow Mann
April 29, 2022, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Shapiro Campus Center Atrium (in-person; advance registration not required)
Larry Spotted Crow Mann is a citizen of the Nipmuc Tribe of Massachusetts. He is an award-winning writer, poet, cultural educator, Traditional Story Teller, tribal drummer /dancer and motivational speaker involving youth sobriety, cultural and environmental awareness.
Mann is co-director of the Ohketeau Cultural Center and Founder of the Native Youth Empowerment Foundation. He is also a former board member of the Nipmuk Cultural Preservation, which is an organization set up to promote the cultural, social and spiritual needs of Nipmuc people as well as an educational resource of Native American studies.
Mann also serves as a Review Committee Member, at The Native American Poets Project at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology.
He travels throughout the United States, Canada and parts of Europe to schools, colleges, pow wows and other organizations sharing the music, culture and history of Nipmuc people. He has also given lectures at universities throughout New England on issues ranging from Native American Sovereignty to Identity.