Every spring since 1997, the Wege Foundation has invited scientists, authors and thinkers to present a free public lecture on environmental and social justice issues and their connection to healthy economies and communities. Although the Foundation’s founder Peter M. Wege passed away in 2014, his work lives on. A visionary and leader, Peter believed in planting seeds that develop leaders in health, education, arts and Economicology, a term he coined to connect environmental with economic issues.

Mustafa Santiago Ali will give the 23rd Annual Wege Speaker Series lecture at Aquinas College Performing Arts Center on April 11, 2019.

The public is invited and the event is free. A reception will follow.

Climate issues are abuzz in the media these days. But often missing are the disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities and people of color. With issues related to access to clean water, healthy food and the impact of severe weather, this discussion is not only relevant but imperative. Joining us for a conversation this year is Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, Senior Vice President of Climate, Environmental Justice & Community Revitalization for the Hip Hop Caucus and former environmental justice leader at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Dr. Ali has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, VICE, and Democracy NOW, as well as being featured and cited in over 250 news publications including GQ, New Republic, Ebony, The Guardian, The Root, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post. He has worked in over 500 communities both domestically and internationally, as well as been a guest lecturer at over 100 colleges and universities. Currently he is a board member of the National Wildlife Federation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Union of Concerned Scientists, TREE and Climate Hawks Vote.

Limited Seating – RSVP by April 4, 2019 at www.aquinas.edu/wegespeaker