Bob Blake and the Legacy of Environmental Justice: Pioneering Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Jake Murakami and Ryan Przespolewski
Bob Blake, a member of the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota, stands as an influential figure in the realm of environmental justice, championing equitable solutions for a sustainable future.
Though he likes to think of himself as more of a solar developer than an environmental activist, through the interview we conducted with him, we soon became aware of how Bob has actively strived to bridge the gap between environmental concerns and social equity. This interview allowed us to examine his life’s work which not only showcases his unwavering commitment but also serves as an inspiration for current and future advocates striving to create a more just and sustainable world.
Born and raised in a community targeted for marginalization in Minnesota, Bob experienced firsthand the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and the deep-rooted inequalities that accompanied them. Growing up amidst polluted air, contaminated water sources, and limited access to green spaces, Bob witnessed the disproportionate burden borne by his community. In a moment that stood out in our interview with him, Bob shared that a pivotal event in his life was the premature death of his brother, which launched him into being a surrogate father to his brother’s children. Bob described to us how this caused him to have a large shift in perspective, as he was no longer working for his own career, but rather to create a better world for his nieces and nephews.
As Bob completed his education, his formative experiences propelled him toward seeking solutions to the pressing issues of environmental justice, primarily in the energy field. He shared with us that in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, 34% of all residents are considered poor. His mission is to rewrite that statistic while providing clean energy for historically underserved communities. He focuses his efforts on communities in Minneapolis and Saint Paul in an attempt to give them the support that he himself never got while he was growing up.“In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, 34% of all residents are considered poor. His mission is to rewrite that statistic while providing clean energy for historically underserved communities.”
In 2017, Bob started Solar Bear, pronounced “Gizis-o-makwa” in Ojibwe, which has now grown into a successful Minnesota-based solar panel installation company. It is also notably the only American Indian-owned solar installation company in Minnesota. Additionally, in 2020 Bob started Native Sun Community Power Development, a nonprofit that promotes renewable energy and helps members of tribal communities make the transition from regular energy sources to clean energy. Through Solar Bear, he has facilitated numerous solar panel installations across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. This has led to great success and has helped the company grow more prominent while providing access to renewable energy to communities with lower economic resources. It was important for us to note that he isn’t doing this for money, or for himself, but he is doing it for the future fighters against climate change.
Bob’s current energy is largely invested in Solar Bear and the various future projects that they have on the horizon, spurring economic development through renewable energy in Minnesota communities that have been targeted for marginalization. For example, Bob discussed with us the Prairie Island Net Zero project, a $46 million government-assisted project focused on making the Prairie Island Indian Community one of the first communities in the United States to achieve net zero carbon emissions. He seemed deeply invested when he told us about the importance of honoring and harnessing the power of natural resources and creating a delicate balance with Mother Earth in this process. Additionally, Bob discussed the three large upcoming solar power installs which will harness up to 150 kilowatts of solar energy, a big step forward in spreading solar power in under resourced communities. Another important development Bob discussed with us is the installation of electric vehicle charging stations spanning from Red Lake all the way back to Minneapolis. These projects are of pivotal importance and these advancements will help people’s everyday lives by putting the infrastructure in place for climate mitigation, but also for climate adaptation and resilience. In his own words: “If we’re not focusing in on adaptation and resiliency strategies, then we’re stupid.”
Much of Bob’s work is focused on the future of environmental justice and climate change. “It was clear to us through the interview that he believes young people like ourselves are the generation to save the planet. As Bob said, it’s time to ‘make history while we’re doing this.’” It was clear to us through the interview that he believes young people like ourselves are the generation to save the planet. As Bob said, it’s time to “make history while we’re doing this.” We were struck by the importance of understanding that the well-being of our planet relates to all of our lives and therefore we need a way to combat it and find new, renewable ways to fuel our earth. In terms of Solar Bear’s future endeavors, Bob is hoping to spin it into a worker’s co-op. As for Native Sun, he wants to focus the non-profit on helping communities that don’t have access to renewable energy sources. Bob’s own mission for the future includes continuing to inspire future activists and rally people toward his cause. He plans to mentor and inspire individuals to combat climate change for years and years to come.
Ultimately, our interview with Bob left us feeling inspired after learning about the efforts he is making to combat the issues of environmental justice by championing clean energy for all. Talking with Bob made us realize that anyone can do something to protect the environment and the planet we live on. We have found ourselves reflecting on being more enthusiastic about fighting climate change and inspired by the efforts of Bob and others like him. We extend our sincere gratitude to Bob for generously sharing his time and insights despite the demands of his busy schedule. Talking with him was a transformative encounter and a remarkable opportunity to learn from someone who genuinely cares about the Earth and entrusts its future to our hands.
