Rev. Leo Woodberry, a distinguished leader in community development, currently serves as the Executive Director of the New Alpha Community Development Corporation. Hailing from the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York, Rev. Woodberry’s upbringing in the Cypress Hill Housing Project instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and advocacy.
His journey into activism began with the African American Student Association, where he honed his passion for social justice. Throughout his career, Rev. Woodberry has championed a spectrum of causes, ranging from inmates’ rights to tenants’ rights, and from promoting free healthcare to fostering black culture and arts. In 1986, Rev. Woodberry relocated to Florence, South Carolina, while employed at AT&T, bringing his unwavering commitment to service and advocacy to the region. Ordained in 1983, he has since led five churches, using his platform to address pressing issues such as the burning of black churches, the removal of the Confederate Flag, and youth mentoring. Currently serving as pastor of Kingdom Living Temple, an activist church in Florence, Rev. Woodberry has been at the forefront of environmental justice and climate activism since 1991. His involvement with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Control on mercury emission issues underscores his dedication to protecting communities from environmental hazards. Rev. Woodberry is an accomplished artist and author, known for his book “Wind Song” and his collection of poetry. He hosts a weekly radio show, “The Leo and Larry Show,” and serves as the editor of the quarterly magazine “EJ Today.” Learn more
Florence, SC
As crumbling public infrastructure and intensifying storm surges push many communities to a breaking point, residents of Florence, South Carolina, have endured years of unsafe tap water, relying solely on bottled water for survival. In a town that is 47% Black and facing numerous environmental justice issues, Rev. Leo Woodberry took action by installing hydropanels around his church. These innovative panels harness sunlight and air to generate clean, safe drinking water, while also filtering, storing, and delivering it to homes and businesses. Rev. Woodberry is now championing the expansion of hydropanel installations to provide long-term, sustainable water solutions for Florence and other vulnerable communities. This project highlights the power of grassroots leadership and cutting-edge technology in addressing climate justice challenges.
Learn more: https://www.newalphacdc.com