Actively Building with Communities

Black history isn’t just something we commemorate; it’s something we actively build.

As we recognize Black History Month, I’m taking time to reflect on why Planning Ahead exists and how our work is shaped by lived experience.

Planning Ahead is a Black-led organization rooted in environmental justice, preparedness, and community-driven solutions. Our work in climate resilience, environmental education, and neighborhood-level planning is informed by the realities many Black communities continue to face—flooding, extreme heat, housing instability, and historic underinvestment.

We don’t approach resilience as a purely technical exercise. We approach it as a practice of care, shared leadership, and long-term thinking, building with communities, not for them.

I look forward to sharing reflections, lessons, and community stories throughout the month.

Partner with Planning Ahead to stay connected: www.aplanahead.com