Ebony Twilley Martin Makes History as Greenpeace USA’s First Black Executive Director

Congratulations are in order for Ebony Twilley Martin, who has officially become the first Black Executive Director in the history of Greenpeace USA, a milestone widely reported by major outlets (NBC News). Her historic leadership marks a new chapter for the organization as it seeks to make environmental activism more inclusive and representative of the communities most affected by climate change.

Martin’s journey into environmental justice began in 2008, when her son—then only three years old—was diagnosed with asthma. When she asked the pediatrician how such a young child could develop a chronic respiratory condition, the doctor told her to “look around your neighborhood.” At the time, Martin’s family lived in subsidized housing in Prince George’s County, Maryland, near a heavily trafficked freeway polluted with constant emissions and surrounded by almost no trees or green space. These environmental issues were directly contributing to her son’s worsening health (NBC News).

The experience left a deep emotional impact. Martin recalled feeling devastated but determined. As she began researching, she learned that Black and Brown children are statistically far more likely to suffer from asthma triggered by their environment. Studies cited in national reporting, including analyses from Environmental Health Perspectives, show that Black Americans are over 50% more likely than white Americans to live in areas with high pollution, limited tree coverage, and excessive pavement—conditions tied to chronic health issues such as asthma and diabetes.

Unable to move to a neighborhood with cleaner air and feeling isolated with few resources or support, Martin began digging deeper into environmental justice. Her research brought her to the work of Greenpeace, and by 2013 she joined the organization with the goal of fighting for a healthier planet and advocating for communities like her own (Because of Them We Can).

Over the next decade, Martin played a transformative role within Greenpeace. She expanded recruitment pipelines to bring more Black, Indigenous, and other people of color into environmental leadership roles. She also strengthened the organization’s internal policies, improved compensation practices, and helped modernize its approach to equity, according to statements released by Greenpeace. As the organization marked its 50th anniversary, leaders referred to Martin as a “champion for justice and equity.”

“In this role, my goal is to reach out to others like me—people who don’t always see themselves reflected in this movement,” Martin said. She emphasized that true climate progress depends on bringing diverse perspectives to the table, especially from communities that have been historically overlooked in environmental conversations (NBC News).

Urban planning policies, including historic redlining, have long pushed Black communities into areas known as urban heat islands—neighborhoods with excessive pavement, few trees, and higher-than-average temperatures. Research reported by National Geographic finds that these areas can be nearly 10 degrees hotter than surrounding neighborhoods, increasing health risks and straining families much like Martin’s.

In her new role, Martin will work closely with organizational leaders to guide Greenpeace’s national strategy while centering environmental justice. Her work highlights the “intersecting crises” of racial inequality, health disparities, and climate change—issues she believes must be tackled together. She hopes to build a movement where mothers, families, and everyday people feel empowered to speak up and take action.

“I didn’t have anyone. No one was talking to me about what to do,” Martin said. “That’s what I want to change—who we’re reaching out to and how we support them. If we’re going to combat the climate crisis, we need the broadest and most diverse movement possible.”

Her personal story, combined with her advocacy experience, has positioned her as a powerful voice for change. Many outlets, including Forbes and Black Enterprise, have highlighted her rise as a sign that environmental leadership in the United States is evolving to include perspectives that have long been missing from national conversations.

Congratulations to Ebony Twilley Martin on this groundbreaking achievement!