Willie Jones III: The Future Is Full of Possibilities

Positives

• The video's tone is hopeful about the future and what is possible in the fight against climate change.
• Willie Jones III uses his life experiences to illustrate the connections between poverty, racism, and environmentalism.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should be familiar with environmental justice, environmental racism, and gentrification.
• The resource includes the video, a short description of Willie Jones III's story, discussion questions, links to learn more, and ways to take action.

Differentiation

• Teachers can use the discussion questions to guide a rich conversation about culture, justice, and climate change.
• Students can explore solar panels and other electricity-focused climate solutions using the links provided.
• Willie Jones III highlights multiple nonprofits doing great work in his community. Students can identify nonprofits in their area that are climate justice-oriented and take steps to support their work.
• Engineering classes can use this video to highlight an engineering-related green career, and students can evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using solar-powered trailers to provide electricity after natural disasters.
• Geography classes can discuss the specific environmental, cultural, and political characteristics of New Orleans that contributed to the challenges caused by Hurricane Katrina and continued challenges with flooding and other natural disasters.
• Students can use this video as a starting point to explore green infrastructure and adaptation strategies.