Elijah McKenzie-Jackson (born 28 December 2003)[2] is a visual artist[3] focused on common themes of climate justice, based in London and New York City, known for noting intersectional themes; for example indigenous rights.[4][5] McKenzie-Jackson is co-founder at Waic Up,[6] an organizer of Youth Strike for Climate, and is a United Nations Togetherband Ambassador.[7] He is one of the organizers who started Fridays for Future UK, in February 2019.
McKenzie-Jackson born in Walthamthow, London, lives with his maternal grandmother, Jean Young.[15] McKenzie-Jackson grew up a vegetarian on the grounds of animal welfare, “At 14, I transitioned to veganism, which helped me understand why it can't just be personal change when fighting the climate crisis”.[16] McKenzie-Jackson was inspired to merge environmental activism and when he first heard about climate change in his school, Woodbridge High School, through doing research and watching documentaries.[15]
"I learned a tiny bit about climate change in school. I started watching documentaries, doing my own research, and I got very frustrated. I didn't understand why no politicians were acting" - Elijah McKenzie-Jackson, The Guardian.[15]
McKenzie-Jackson studied Fine Art and Sociology in New York City since 2022.[16]
Work
McKenzie-Jackson, in 2023, has been known for his Art focusing on Climate Change[17] as well his commentary on societal issues like the divestment away from fossil fuels.[18] He is the Founder and Head Artist of the civci art innovation: EMJ Earth,[19] where all his art is published.
“In my work, I craft large-scale art installations, paint murals, and curate exhibits that vividly depict the impacts of the climate emergency.”[20]
Mckenzie-Jackson, first public launch of art, early 2019, was with a photo series named “How would you feel?” [20] A self portrait series of intimidated wildlife affected by humanity. This series was a starting point for McKenzie-Jackson’s career and landed a double spread in GQ,[21] at age 15.
McKenzie-Jackson released his first NFT collection,[22] depicting three pictures of clowns. The collection "The Mockery of Money Behind Destruction" aimed to increase public awareness of how the oil industry's revenues are used to fuel the global warming issue.
In 2023, Mckenzie-Jackson launched a painting named: “I <3 Paris”[23] This painting addressed issues of climate change and the Paris Agreement.
Climate Strike sign text used by Elijah McKenzie-Jackson
McKenzie-Jackson first started climate striking on February 15, 2019, in Parliament Square, London.[30] On 20 September 2019, alongside UK Student Climate Network, he managed to break England's national record for the biggest environmental protest [31] with over 100,000 demonstrators in attendance.[32]
McKenzie-Jackson in February 2020, went on hunger strike[35] over the proposed first deep coal mine in 30 years[36] by UK Government in West Cumbria.[37] McKenzie-Jackson coined the phrase, "won't eat until new coal mine is scrapped".[38] He ended his hunger strike on Day 10[39] when he was invited into the UK Parliament[40] to speak to politicians about the proposed West Cumbriacoal mine.[41] McKenzie-Jackson's 10-day hunger strike triggered actions and protests against the proposed project in Whitehaven.[42] McKenzie-Jackson then, one year later in 2021[43] started his second 10-day hunger-strike,[44] where he gathered 111,475 petition signatures[45] in collaboration with Coal Action Network[46] in order to appeal Robert Jenrick decision regarding the West Cumbria coal mine.
COP27 Scrutiny on LGBTQ+ Rights
In July 2022, McKenzie-Jackson and his partner, Jerome Foster II, co-authored a letter to the UNFCCC to call on the United Nations to move COP27 climate summit due to Egypt's "LGBTQ+ torture, woman slaughter, and civil rights suppression" he says[47] after they started looking into logistics of traveling to Sharm El-Sheikh.[48] As McKenzie-Jackson is an openly-public bisexual figure,[49] him and his partner "might be targeted"[47] according to Guardian News.
The letter, which was directed towards UNFCCC Executive-Secretary, Patricia Espinosa, was signed by prominent activists such as Nadya Tolokonnikova, Ahmed Alaa, and Eric Njuguna. The couple are calling the UNFCCC non-action a betrayal of the community and “inherent discrimination.”[50] McKenzie-Jackson emphasized that, “there are better options of countries in Africa that will still include African voices. People shouldn't be cannon fodder for the climate movement. Cop27 will fail if it's in Egypt because critical voices will be left out.”
Personal life
McKenzie-Jackson has spoken about his clinically diagnosed depression due to climate grief.[51] He stated in 2023, that art plays a crital role in the processing of his emotions and that painting is his escape.[23]
"It is pretty depressing that young people are essentially forced to organise and lobby for a future. However, I would say I am eager to see real change and action from our so-called leaders. I'd like to see real action, following science, while treating climate change like the crisis it really is.”[52]
Mckenzie-Jackson is bisexual ands has been in a public relationship with his partner, Jerome Foster II, since 2021.[53]
