Photos by Erin Peterson
Hope and change. Over the past two years, these words have evolved into a concept, an ideal, and a dream for our nation to achieve. Van Jones, a green jobs advisor in the Obama Administration in 2009, enthused around 450 people in the EMU Ballroom Monday night with messages aimed to inspire, particularly the millennial generation, on the importance of building a green economy.
Presenting on behalf of the Oregon Humanities Center (OHC), Jones spoke directly to the young generation on a theme based upon sustenance in the current economy. His lecture spoke to many issues that resonated with students from the University campus and attracted student groups such as the Climate Justice League and the Coalition Against Environmental Racism (CAER). As a member of CAER, UO senior Marilyn Sanchez admires Jones and how his work inspires the community on social and environmental levels.
“There aren’t that many people of color in environmental movements that are really visible and do as much work as Van Jones,” Sanchez says. “It’s really validating to my work to see someone with so much experience be able to offer me advice on problems I see everyday in environmental justice organizing.”
Jones’ lecture encouraged the young generation to build hope in order to reach change. He called upon two systems: food and fuel. With changes to these areas, Jones believes that the nation can reach its sustainable potential. His words spoke deeply to the nearly full audience, who responded to his inspiring statements with applause, laughs, and cheers.
The main messages during the lecture were only part of the impact that he left for UO students. Prior to the event, Jones met with fifteen leaders of student groups on campus including Climate Justice League member sophomore Karyn Smoot. Smoot recognized Jones’ insight on the multiple problems society faces and respects the cohesive solutions he offers and his enthusiasm to work with students to achieve them.
“He was willing to work with us as a collaborator and not just speaking down to us,” Smoot says. “He really gave us hope that we can utilize the people we have and create a social movement that will give us that tie to break.”
Due to Jones’ many nationally recognized accomplishments, including founder of Green for All, an organization aimed to build green jobs in disadvantaged communities, and author of the best selling book The Green Collar Economy, the OHC has tried to feature him as a guest speaker for the past three years.
“It’s very exciting to have a guest of his stature to address such important topics. He is the perfect speaker for the Oregon Humanities Center’s mandate to bring discussions on topics of real relevance to the whole campus and surrounding community,” says OHC director Barbara Altmann.
With his moving messages of hope and change, Jones attempted to encourage Eugene and UO to build a sustainable lifestyle in the way we eat and the way we work.
Jones urges, “Don’t succumb to cynicism now. Dream big for America.”
