The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and former Vice President Al Gore will visit Buckingham County Tuesday, Feb. 19, to present a program for all community members on “The Moral Call for Ecological Justice.” The Rev. Barber, a North Carolina minister and president of Repairers of the Breach, has been a leader of the growing national movement to lift up the moral tradition of treating all people with dignity. Gore has been one of the world’s most respected advocates for leaving a healthy environment for our children.

According to a press release Barber and Gore will join community members who will share their experiences of the impacts of ecological injustices, and discuss how to ensure that our voices are heard when elected officials make crucial decisions that impact health and environment. Hear from scientific, legal and medical experts on the pressing environmental issues facing communities around the state and country.

Importantly, the panel will also explore solutions for how to promote safe, sustainable environmental policies and practices and address the potential for economic growth for Buckingham County through clean energy, such as solar.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize how systemic racism, poverty and ecological devastation are connected and that we cannot address just one without addressing the others,” the release went on to say.

The public is welcome to this free, evening event. Visit (www.friendsofbuckinghamva.org) for more details as they become available.