Staff Report

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Florida Memorial University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) throughout the nation and hemisphere have joined with the Department of Energy to form an initiative to promote community transformation and economic development for communities across the country. The Coalition agreement promoting clean energy like solar, and energy efficiency is led by former DOE Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz, a signing ceremony was held on January 17, 2017 at the Department of Energy’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.

The Coalition enables HBCUs to play a significant role in leading the transformation in the communities where they are located. Many HBCUs have already begun to implement initiatives that promote sustainability and a cleaner environment on their campuses. HBCUs also play an influential role in activating the communities around them to drive greater awareness for energy efficiency and renewable energies

U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina- founder and chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus said, “I look forward to this collaboration between the Department of Energy and the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition to engage HBCUs in solar and renewable energy.” She continued, “The Clean Energy Hubs created through this agreement will allow communities with HBCUs to convene stakeholders, encourage the adoption of solar and renewable energy, invest in skills training, create jobs, provide innovative utility cost savings, and promote energy education.”

The excitement of university presidents throughout the nation is simply palpable. Florida Memorial University’s President, Dr. Roslyn Artis agrees, “Florida Memorial University is honored to be a partner in the HBCU Clean Energy Coalition. Through this innovative effort, Florida Memorial will have the opportunity to educate, empower, and enable the surrounding community through training and development designed to diversify all aspects of the sustainable energy sector in our country.” Her vision encompasses the university and surrounding communities, “These are precisely the kinds of future focused collaborations that Historically Black Colleges and University’s like Florida Memorial can engage in that will yield an immediate and tangible impact in underserved communities.”