The speech given by Yetide Badaki, CA based actress/writer/producer, Star Trek, American Gods, at an Elected Officials to Protect America press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on August 12, 2024 I would love this opportunity to thank you all for being here, celebrating the two-year anniversary of The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). |
| I would also like to thank Alex and Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA) for all that you have done and all that you continue to do. |
| I feel I must mention that to be standing up here right now in this capacity is quite the dream. As a young girl in Nigeria listening to stories by the fire, I was captivated by the power of stories. One story in particular, on screen, had an incredible influence on my world view. Star Trek Next Generation led me to believe in the possibility of a future where we grew up, where we evolved, where we did better. |
| There is a lot of Inflation Reduction Act money yet to be allocated. With the investments in clean air, climate resilience and environmental justice we find ourselves on the cusp of a clean energy revolution. We find ourselves entering into a hopeful future, one where we have the opportunity to do better. |
| Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help communities apply for available funding by cutting through the bureaucracy — that we all know can exist even in Star Fleet. |
| That is why I’m excited by the Inflation Reduction Act. It is a climate justice law. To achieve equality — we must solve and work for environmental justice for all. The Inflation Reduction Act’s focus on environmental justice and Justice40 areas is historic and puts us on that path. |
| I’ve been privileged to act in roles where I have been able to express my views on equality, freedom and democracy through the script. The inner six-year-old Nigerian girl in me was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to join the Star Trek Family. And with the inspiration and clarity of the writers on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds during the second episode in season II, the comparison of the United Federation of Planets and our United States was direct and undeniable. While both believe in liberty and justice for all — both sadly, sometimes fall short due to embedded biases and antiquated laws. |
| The arc of justice takes time. The arc of Justice takes dedicated people. The arc of justice takes patience. |
| Justice for all is the only true justice. |
| When I think of the environmental justice leaders and civil rights leaders that came before us, I am humbled. When I think about civil rights, women’s rights, equal rights — and especially equal voting rights, I see this law moving us all in the direction of a more perfect Union — moving us towards that hopeful future, moving us toward a true American Democracy. |