EARTHDAY.ORG ANNOUNCES GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER & ACTRESS ANTONIQUE SMITH AS OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR, EARTH DAY 2025

EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, observed by over one billion people worldwide every April 22, is thrilled to announce that critically acclaimed singer, actress, CEO, and co-founder of the non-profit climate organization Climate Revival, Antonique Smith, has been named official ambassador for Earth Action Day 2025.

“Every year, we look for new ways to activate and empower people to join the Earth Day movement,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “This year, we’re excited to have Antonique Smith as official Earth Day Ambassador. Her passion and platform will inspire and motivate individuals to take action—no matter how big or small. Together, we will send a clear message to our elected leaders that we love Earth and will protect it.”

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, and with climate change impacting us all, there’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet.
“Art is in the middle of the word earth, so it’s an honor to use my gifts to make this Earth Day meaningful,” said Antonique Smith. “I’ve dedicated my life to protecting God’s creation, so being named the 2025 Earth Day ambassador is a responsibility I take seriously. I believe in our ability to overcome any challenge. This Earth Day is crucial because our right to clean air, water, and life is at stake. I’m excited to unite the world around Earth Action Day and show that everyone can make a difference. The foundation of it all is love—if we set aside our differences and lean into love for each other and this planet, we can create the world we all hope for.””

Everyone can make a difference. Follow Antonique’s journey as Earth Day’s Ambassador on social media, using #EarthActionDay to showcase your actions for the planet. From signing petitions and letters to your elected leaders demanding they support renewable energy, to reducing your plastic use, registering to vote for climate-conscious officials, organizing an Earth Day rally, roundtable, teach-in or displaying the official Earth Day Poster at your town hall, school, or library, every single action counts. Details here: Earth Action Day.

“We are facing a global climate crisis, and we need an ambassador who represents those suffering from it,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO. “Antonique Smith is not only talented but has also personally experienced the climate crisis, such as with Superstorm Sandy. As a celebrity and CEO leading a climate organization, Antonique understands what’s at stake. Her love and action are what this moment needs, making her a phenomenal choice to raise awareness for Earth Day’s 55th anniversary.”

Antonique has been a passionate climate activist for over 11 years. In 2024, she co-founded Climate Revival, empowering communities of faith and people of color to fight for environmental justice through storytelling, music, and art.

On Thursday, March 6, she will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth” at 11:15 AM CST. Sunday, March 9, at 2 PM CST, she will be in Houston leading a Climate Revival concert then participating in the March for Future Generations on Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM CST.

On April 19, she will join a massive beach cleanup in Santa Monica, in collaboration, with Heal the Bay, EARTHDAY.ORG partners. Volunteers will cleanup washed up trash and debris from the LA wildfires. The event begins at 10:00 AM. PST, with Antonique helping the cleanup effort and speaking at 2:00 PM.

Additionally, on Earth Day, April 22, Antonique will perform “Love Song to the Earth” live in Times Square, NYC, at 12:00 PM EST, in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG partners, OMMM and the Good News Planet.

“We are so excited to have Antonique Smith join, perform and enhance our concert and broadcast. Her belief in EARTHDAY.ORG tells us that she is the right talent to speak up for Mother Earth. ” Paul Sladkus, Founder of the Times Square Earth and Peace Day Concerts.

Antonique will be participating in events in-person and virtual globally, and starting March 22, 2025, Antonique will begin sharing messages on social media to engage with people worldwide who are taking action for Earth Action Day. From Pakistan to Peru, Armenia to America, Norway to Nicaragua, EARTHDAY.ORG wants to hear from you! Use #EarthActionDay to share how you’re making an impact.

“The point is that everyone can act this Earth Day and every day, to show that we truly care about our planet and want to protect it,” Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative & Content Officer of EARTHDAY.ORG.

Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise!

About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.

About: Antonique Smith is an acclaimed Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and activist, known for her roles as Faith Evans in Notorious and Mimi Marquez in Rent on Broadway. Recently, she released a reimagined version of Love Song to the Earth, reflecting her dedication to climate activism. Through her nonprofit, Climate Revival, she empowers communities of faith and people of color to tackle environmental issues using storytelling, music, and art.

Here are the interview questions for the for Good News Broadcast interview:

1. What is Earth Action Day, and how does it align with the mission of EarthDay.org?
2. This year’s theme is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.” What does this theme signify, and what inspired the decision behind it?
3. Can you highlight some of the most impactful Earth Day initiatives or events that are happening globally this year? What makes them stand out?
4. How can individuals get involved in Earth Day and contribute to the movement? Could you share some practical actions people can take to reduce their environmental footprint on a daily basis?
5. What role do you think renewable energy will play in our future? What are the most significant developments in this area that you foresee over the next 5 to 10 years?
6. How does EarthDay.org collaborate with businesses, governments, and communities to promote sustainability? What has been the response from these sectors in recent years?
7. Earth Day is often a time to reflect on the state of our planet. In your opinion, what are the most urgent environmental issues we need to address right now, and how can we work together to solve them?
8. How has EarthDay.org used storytelling to inspire action on environmental issues? Can you share any success stories from previous campaigns that have made a measurable impact?
9. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2025, what are your goals for the campaign? How can we create lasting, positive change in environmental practices globally by that time?
10. How does EarthDay.org use digital platforms and innovative media to engage and inspire a global audience in environmental action? What strategies have been most effective in reaching diverse communities?

As discussed, we’d also like to mention our campaigns, i.e. Quizzies, Tool Kits, Fact Sheets. We have so much we want to cover, so we thought this is a good way for us to organize our thoughts. Let me know if there is anything I can clarify. Looking forward to this conversation!

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A letter to a Vietnam Soldier as a young child becomes a story of peace, love and hope. Our Interview occurred on 9/11, no more war, please.

“Your friend, Mike” – A true story written by Nancy Mikaelian Madey

Hidden stories from the past uniquely find their way into the present, leaving an indelible imprint. This is one of those stories.

1970 was a challenging year for America. The United States sent an additional 334,600 active military troops overseas to Vietnam to continue the U.S. war efforts against the spread of communism. Students opposing the war were demonstrating on college campuses, and organized protests and marches were held across the country.

Meanwhile, at an elementary school in Racine, Wisconsin a third grade class was writing letters to those brave unknown soldiers who were fighting a battle across the globe––not really knowing what war was.

Somehow, a 23-year-old man already knew what it was like: the soldier who received my letter. His name was Mike Conrad, serving in the 101st Airborne. I can recall the sheer happiness and excitement upon receiving a response back in an airmail envelope personally addressed to me. And, I bet Mike was equally thrilled to receive my letter. I can remember anxiously opening up the letter dated January 26, 1970:

“Dear Nancy,

First of all let me thank you for taking time out to write. It really means a lot to all of us when we get a letter. Especially when it is one from a pretty girl like you. My name is Mike. I am from Gastonia, North Carolina. I am 23 years old. I am married but I don’t have any children. My wife’s name is Becky. It is the middle of monsoon season here in Vietnam. This means that it rains almost all of the time. I’m glad to hear that you like school. This will help you a lot in life. Because a good education is very important. Always be sure that you do your best in everything you do. I better go for now. Thank you again for the very nice letter and the pretty picture of yourself. If you get a chance write again. Be good and study hard.

Your friend,

Mike Conrad

P.S. Tell all of your family and everybody in your class hello for me. Okay?”

American soldiers were drafted to fight for freedom and ideology in Vietnam, and in a way, we all are now drafted into a different kind of war. Back then it was serving on the battlefield and keeping a clean locker. Now it’s staying home and wearing masks when we go out. During the shelter-in-place, I decide to do some deep cleaning. Tucked away in the back of our closet was a cardboard box of memories nearly forgotten with time.

I opened the box which contained my childhood keepsakes: artwork, report cards, photos, and Mike’s letter. I picked up the neatly folded letter and re-read it. I held a snapshot of history in my hands––“Your friend, Mike Conrad.” His name kept ringing throughout my head and truly moved me into action. I wondered where he was now, and if he would even remember the little girl who wrote to him 50 years ago.

Since I had his full name, I did some online research to try and connect with him. Sure enough, I found a Mike Conrad in Gastonia, North Carolina—it had to be him! As I dug a bit deeper, I sadly learned that he passed away in January 2019. I read his obituary and also learned that Mike was an avid traveler and community volunteer—what a guy!

I was now, more than ever, determined to get a copy of Mike’s letter to his family. While continuing my research, I found the name of Mike’s wife, Becky Conrad. I sent a letter to her along with a copy of Mike’s original letter from 1970. Not knowing whether or not the address I found was current, I crossed my fingers and remained optimistic. In a time when we could all use some good news, I hoped my letter would reach her and spark something. And, boy did it ever!

“Such a touching surprise,” were her words in an email back to me, “joyful and bittersweet at the same time.” Becky emailed me a photo of Mike during his service in Vietnam, a photo of their family, and as an unexpected surprise, a copy of my letter that I had written back to Mike, dated February 3, 1970. Mike obviously treasured my letter just as much as I had treasured his.

“Hi Mike,” my letter began,

“I was very happy to get your letter today. Our whole class got their letters today. My teacher read each one of them to the class. I went to the dentist today and got my tooth pulled and it didn’t even hurt at all. It was a baby tooth. It was very cold out today. 13 below zero. I’m learning how ice skate, but I’m a little chicken at it. Did you know I am an aunt? I have a sister Kathy 21 years old, who had a baby boy December 30th. His name is Justin. My sister lives in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin which is a 1-1/2 hour drive from Racine. Her husband has one more year of college left. I have an 18 year old brother Curtis who goes to college here in Racine and lives at home. My mother and father send their best wishes and say they hope you will be able to come home soon. If you have a snapshot of yourself, please send it. Write soon if you have time.
Love, Nancy Mikaelian”

Not too bad for a third grader!

Now as a grown woman, wife and mother of two children, I have a better understanding of war, and what these young soldiers and their families had to endure.

I eventually spoke with Becky over the phone and she filled in the gaps about Mike’s life. He passed away from Multiple Myeloma—a cancer he contracted from the USA’s use of Agent Orange. She shared some personal stories about the young man I never knew, who grew up to be a wonderful husband for nearly 51 years, a father, and a grandfather.

Even though Mike is not here with us today, 50 years later he managed to help unite two families—all with a simple stroke of a pen, “Your friend, Mike.”

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