From Big Oil to Black Futures

During New York Climate Week 2026, the Energy Justice Law and Policy Center (EJLPC), in partnership with The Black Hive at M4BL, will host From Big Oil to Black Futures, a movement-building event about how the story of one family's fight against oil and gas extraction became a growing movement for Black climate futures. ​Black Soil Rising told the story: the Johnson family's fight against extraction on land held for 150 years, now inside Alabama's largest producing oil field. This evening premieres what's next — the organizing, research, and legal fight featuring the people doing the necessary work. ​A panel moderated by director and environmental lawyer Raya Salter explores Black futures in relation to land sovereignty with the following guests: ​Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health INpowering Communities (CEEJH INC) ​Diamond Spratling, award winning environmental health and justice activist and Founder of Girl Plus Environment ​Willie Neal, a Johnson family member who lives on the land in Alabama and an active farmer ​Jermaine Williams, family member and Black Soil Rising filmmaker ​The evening will be a night full of grounded discussion, imaginative reflection, and storytelling.