Rep. Jarrells Receives Black Millennials 4 Flint 2023 Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 Award
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) is a recipient of the Black Millennials 4 Flint (BM4F) 2023 Young, Gifted, and Green 40 Under 40 award. The annual award recognizes Black, Latinx, and Indigenous environmental justice leaders and community activists from across the United States and its territories.
“I am proud to receive this award. As a survivor of lead poisoning, I am a steadfast advocate for policies that reduce injustice and create a fairer and more inclusive Ohio,” said Rep. Jarrells. “It is all our responsibility to create policies that support environmental justice and healing in our communities.”
Black Millennials 4 Flint is a national environmental justice and civil rights organization bringing like-minded organizations together to collectively take action and advocate against the lead exposure crisis, specifically in African-American and Latinx communities nationwide.
A panel of reviewers selected this year’s finalists from nominees, including educators, scientists, artists, policymakers, healthcare/public health professionals, faith-based leaders, social justice advocates/activists, journalists, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers.
“This year’s recipients are a celebration of excellence representing leaders who are positively impacting our communities, especially historically disenfranchised black and brown communities,” said LaTricea Adams, BM4F founder, CEO, and President. “This marks our 7th year of honoring those continuing the efforts our environmental elders started in their work to end environmental injustices.”
Rep. Jarrells is a consistent activist for the people of Ohio House District 1, sponsoring and co-sponsoring legislation that directly helps Ohioans. His work has ranged from advocating for a living wage for all Ohioans, and the Foster-to-College program, to his recent championing of the replacement of lead water lines.