Opal Baker is a persistent force for change in East Point, working at the vital intersection of food sovereignty, environmental justice, and civic engagement. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York City, she carries the legacy of grandparents who were farmers and urban gardeners—instilling in her a profound respect for the land and a belief that access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food is a fundamental human right. As the founder of Forward Together East Point and a board leader for Market 166 Grocery & Kitchen Co-op and the South River Watershed Alliance, she recognizes that a healthful life is inextricably linked to clean food systems and the power of the vote. Her work is driven by the conviction that human justice is inseparable from the fight for a livable planet, urging residents to use their collective voices to create a sustainable and equitable future.
Drawing on decades of entrepreneurial experience in business, the arts, and food systems, Opal translates her passion for justice into tangible community solutions. She is a dedicated climate leader with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project and actively contributes to local and national organizations, including Georgia Coalition for Environmental Policy and Protection, the Atlanta Watershed Learning Network, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, the Atlanta-Metro Sierra Club, and Fair Fight Action. Whether she is building local coalitions or fostering environmental awareness through the Community Soil-Air-Water (CSAW) Learning Ecosystem and the Southeast Justice Alliance (SEJA), her leadership is marked by a pragmatic understanding of interconnected systems.
Driven by the “irrepressible power of strength in numbers,” she remains committed to championing her neighbors and improving the quality of life for all East Point residents.