CONSERVATION PARTNER: Given to an organization that collaborated effectively with The Nature Conservancy and demonstrated strong commitment to safeguarding important resources.

NAACP of Greater Manchester: James McKim, President — The NAACP of Greater Manchester is the Manchester, New Hampshire branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which is a civil rights organization formed in 1964. Their mission is to achieve equality, political rights and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. They envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination. President James McKim and the leadership of the NAACP of Greater Manchester brought their mission, vision and expertise to the All Persons Trail build in Manchester. They partnered with TNC to ensure the trail was built in a way that is truly welcoming and inclusive for all residents of Manchester. They graciously co-hosted TNC’s Black in Nature listening session, leading a discussion on the barriers people of color face when seeking outdoor recreation opportunities. McKim spoke publicly at the groundbreaking ceremony where he eloquently made the clear connection between race and the inequal access to nature that can derive from racism and intolerance of others.

The relationship between TNC and the NAACP of Greater Manchester has continued to grow since the trail’s completion. The NAACP played an active and important role in the 2020 Ad Hoc Emission Commission, organized by TNC, the goal of which was non-partisan, educational and solution-focused dialogue between various stakeholders regarding New Hampshire’s clean energy realities and future. TNC was then invited to participate in the NAACP’s Environment and Climate Justice Committee, which still meets monthly. From this continued partnership evolved an opportunity for TNC to provide resources and support to the NAACP of Greater Manchester in establishing an air quality monitoring program in the City of Manchester.