On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University celebrated a historic milestone with our Inaugural Bullard Center Gala!

This video highlights five weeks of intensive action, education, and community engagement. Twenty students from 15 HBCUs participated in hands-on field trips exploring environmental impacts, late-night research sessions, and inspiring masterclasses led by expert keynote speakers.

These students are preparing to drive transformative change. Check out their journey!

Even future Environmental Justice and climate champions have their lighthearted moments. Go behind the scenes to see the unscripted laughs and bloopers from their profile interviews.

These candid, behind-the-camera moments offer a refreshing look at the champions, proving everyone needs a "take two" sometimes.

Danae Gibson is an Environmental Science and Pre-Med student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.

Her unique global perspective, shaped by living across three continents and all four major American time zones, enriches her academic and professional journey.

Betty Rivers is an Agribusiness student at Tuskegee University and an avid traveler.

She explores new destinations, collecting snow globes from each unique place she visits, a hobby that beautifully reflects her passion.

Kendall Summerall is a Psychology major at Texas Southern University, minoring in Sports Management. Her academic interests focus on human behavior and sports.

Beyond her studies, Kendall also brings a creative background, having previously played the violin.

Jordyn Hilton, a Biology major at Claflin University, is actively involved in campus life. She recently became an initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Her dedication was also recognized through the prestigious honor of serving as Claflin University's Miss Homecoming 2025.

Harmony House is currently studying Environmental Health at Texas Southern University.

She also possesses a strong musical background, having played the trombone for seven years and performed as a member of a jazz band.

Grant Gault is an Applied Physics Dual Degree Agricultural Engineering major at Morehouse College.

He is deeply committed to community-focused innovation. His career aspiration is to ensure communities worldwide have reliable access to healthy, affordable food.

Gary McGhee is an Agricultural Economics student at Alcorn State University. Beyond his academic pursuits, he is an avid outdoor and sports enthusiast.

He enjoys spending his free time fishing and following various athletic events.

Gabriella Coburn-El is a Mass Communications major at Xavier University and a dedicated cinephile. She has a deep passion for cinema, particularly major film franchises like *The Terminator* and *Mission Impossible*.

On a lighter note, she is not a fan of tomatoes.

Dion Johnson is an Aviation Science Management student at Texas Southern University, driven by a profound passion for aviation. Outside of his studies, he is also a dedicated car enthusiast and fitness advocate.

Dion possesses a strong competitive drive, cultivated through his athletic background. During high school, he was a four-year varsity basketball player and a cross-country runner.

Deven Petties is an Urban and Regional Planning student at Alabama A&M University. Hailing from New Orleans, he developed a natural passion for cooking, influenced by the city's rich culinary culture.

Deven is driven by a deep curiosity to explore new environments, engage with diverse individuals, and continuously embrace fresh, unique experiences.

Tai May is a Chemistry student with a Pre-Med concentration at Texas Southern University.

She demonstrated an early commitment to academics and peer leadership by serving as a Teaching Assistant for an environmental science instructor during her senior year of high school.

Stacey Bryant Turner is a Marine Sciences major at Savannah State University. As a second-generation Haitian American, she brings a rich cultural background to her academic pursuits.

Outside of the classroom, Stacey is an avid reader and a passionate swimmer, demonstrating a deep enthusiasm for the water.

Re’Shad Higgins is a Political Science major with a Sociology minor at Morehouse College, where he is actively pursuing the pre-law track. His academic pursuits are complemented by a strong global curiosity.

He finds fulfillment in traveling the world, engaging with diverse cultures, and learning from individuals from all walks of life. This passion for global exploration enriches his perspective.

Paris Brown, a Public Health major at Johnson C. Smith University, brings a unique perspective to her studies.

Originally from Jamaica, her cultural roots deeply inspire her passion for promoting community well-being and dedicating her career to helping others.

Mishanti Johnson, an Environmental Studies major at Southern University and A&M College, developed an early interest in the natural world. This passion began during her first five years growing up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Her unique background also includes owning two pet geckos.

Marisa Haynes is an Agricultural Science major, concentrating in Agribusiness, at Tennessee State University.

An exceptionally driven student, she achieved the remarkable academic milestone of graduating from college before earning her high school diploma.

Kennedy Colen is a Health Science major at Howard University, known for her compassionate heart and global outlook.

She loves to travel and is deeply passionate about working with and supporting children.