Jhannel Tomlinson-Evans

For Black History Month 2024, we interviewed Black feminist leaders from the Diaspora whose expertise includes climate justice, art that centers land and relationship, collective memory, and executive leadership. Their work—and the solidarity they build—are helping shift the power within movements for gender and racial justice while redefining what success looks like. Explore the entire campaign, and join us in lifting up the leaders and organizations across the world who center Black freedom, Black joy, and Black dignity every day.

What is your name? What organizations or movements do you work with?

I am Jhannel Tomlinson-Evans, honored to hold the role of co-founder at GirlsCARE Jamaica and Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC) in Jamaica. Additionally, I proudly serve as a committee member within Global Fund for Women’s Caribbean Feminist MLA Committee and as the Caribbean Advisor for the Global Green Grant Fund’s Next Generation Climate Board.

What are some of the key goals of your work?

GirlsCARE embodies the synergy between feminist activism and the climate justice movement. We have created space for passionate climate scholar activists with a shared dedication: leveraging our platform and voices to carve out space and embolden young women. Our main objective is to advocate for gender justice within the sphere of climate action.

YPACC serves as an avenue dedicated to magnifying youth involvement in climate action. Our focus is especially geared towards engaging those often marginalized in climate discourse, such as indigenous communities, rural populations, and queer youth. YPACC seeks to embody the following values: inclusivity in action; fostering resilience; and building a sustainable future. 

Global Fund for Women’s Caribbean Advisory Committee seeks to offer pivotal decision-making support to advance climate justice and feminist activism in the Caribbean. Its core components include grantmaking, capacity-building for movement actors, and fostering community building initiatives.

The Global Green Grants Next Generation Climate Board stands as a trailblazing initiative—one of the earliest endeavors of its kind—specifically focused on funding and empowering youth-led actions addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Its mission is not only to allocate grants but also to nurture a new generation of climate leaders, fostering innovation, resilience, and global collaboration in combating the climate crisis.

Philanthropy has historically overlooked and under-invested in Black feminism. Why is the connection between funding and shifting power needed to advance racial justice?

The historical neglect and underinvestment in Black feminism by philanthropy underscore a significant gap in addressing systemic racial injustices. Shifting power through funding is crucial for advancing racial justice for several reasons:

Equitable Resource Allocation: By directing resources toward Black feminism, philanthropy can rectify past disparities and ensure fair and equitable distribution of funds. This allocation acknowledges the pivotal role of Black feminism in combating intersecting forms of oppression and advancing social change.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Investing in Black feminism amplifies the voices and perspectives of Black women, who have long been marginalized within both feminist movements and broader societal structures. It recognizes their unique experiences and contributions to social justice.

Catalyzing Structural Change: Funding initiatives grounded in Black feminism can challenge and transform existing power structures. It can facilitate community-led solutions that address the root causes of systemic racism and gender-based discrimination.

Creating Inclusive Solutions: Shifting power through funding helps in co-creating solutions that are inclusive and reflective of diverse experiences. It acknowledges that meaningful progress in racial justice requires understanding and addressing the specific needs of Black communities.