Michael Hawthorne Jr.

Michael Hawthorne Jr. is an environmentalist and climate justice advocate with a diverse background in political and environmental campaigns. He has worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, Al Gore’s Repower America initiative, Greenpeace, and the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, his passion for nature was cultivated through early experiences exploring the outdoors.

Hawthorne is also the co-founder of Klean Energy Kulture, a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta that he established with hip-hop producer Corey Dennard, also known as Mr. Hanky. Klean Energy Kulture aims to make the clean energy lifestyle accessible and appealing to Black, Brown, and disinvested communities, emphasizing the cultural and economic benefits of clean energy. The organization uses music, events, and collaborations with major brands and influencers to promote clean energy and environmental justice.