WHAT: “Reaching Our Youth,” is an event that will include a panel discussion with members from the WNY Youth Climate Council (WNY YCC) and featured speaker Malachi Beasley, a Yale University Student who is currently an artist in resident at the Chautauqua Institute (who has overcome the odds to live his dreams). Mr. Beasley will share his story of trials and triumphs.

The 3-panelist from the (WNY YCC) will be talking to the young people from the East Side of Buffalo about why they need to get involved and take action around the environment and issues related to climate change. A representative from Erie County’s Environment & Planning Department will also encourage the attendees to get involved in the County’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP). Malachi Beasley who plays the character, Justin, in Chautauqua Institute Theatre’s current stage play, “Blood at the Root” by Dominique Morisseau, will be discussing the play and how it correlates to the issues faced by urban youth in America.

*Malachi Beasley will be available for media interviews before the event, based on interest.

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The Monarch of Infinite Possibilities (MIP), is focused on raising the level of awareness for black, brown and indigenous people around issues surrounding the environment, arts, and health & wellness in collaboration with non-profit organizations and faith-based communities.

The mission of the Western New York Youth Climate Council (WNY YCC) is a youth-led, campaign-based organization confronting the climate emergency through education, policy, and intersectional initiatives in the WNY community. The 3 panelist are: Nadya Elhalawany, Valerie Juang who are College students and Rebecca Shaw a High School student.
• Nadya Elhalawany: (she/her) is a WNY Youth Climate Council co-organizer and developed a passion for climate justice upon learning about how it was connected to many social justice issues. She is also an undergraduate student at UB pursuing a degree in biological sciences in hopes of going into the medical field.
• Valerie Juang: (she/her) is a WNY Youth Climate Council co-organizer with a passion for equity and accessibility on all fronts. Pursuing her degree in psychology at UB, she understands that the effects of overlapping oppression on mental health and quality of life must be addressed holistically.
• Rebecca Shaw: (she/her) is a WNY youth climate council co-organizer as well as a senior at Mount St. Mary Academy. Aspiring to become a nurse anesthetist— she became involved in climate justice after learning how it relates to racial injustice, poverty, and other social justice issues.
Malachi Beasley (featured Speaker)| Playing Justin in Blood at the Root
Malachi Beasley began his acting career in Spring Valley, California. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach in 2019, he was accepted into Yale University where he is currently pursuing his Master’s degree. While at CLSUB, his Cal Repertory credits included: Haemon (Antigone X), Cash (The Funfair). Other credits include: Hollywood Fringe Festival (The Human[oid] Experience).

Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau,

Directed by Stori Ayers at the Chautauqua Institute.

On a hot day in October, a black high school senior breaks one too many rules when she decides to seek shade under an oak tree. The tree is located in the school’s courtyard and is traditionally a gathering place for white students. The next day, racial tensions mount when a schoolyard fight leaves black students charged with attempted murder. In this story about opposition and unity, the students of Cedar High desperately contemplate the nature of racial bias and whether justice is truly blind while the lives of six black students hang in the balance. Inspired by true events.