Actor and singer Antonique Smith has been announced as the official Ambassador for Sun Day, a new global celebration of clean energy and climate action launching Sept. 21, 2025.
Smith, known for her starring role as Mimi in Rent on Broadway, will lead the public campaign for Sun Day, which combines cultural events, local actions, and renewable energy education in a worldwide grassroots movement. Founded by author and 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben, Sun Day spotlights solar and wind power as key solutions to climate change.
“As the official Ambassador of Sun Day, I am excited to educate and encourage communities across the globe to understand the importance of clean energy and solar power,” Smith said in a statement. “We all have a responsibility to do our part to fight climate change.”
Sun Day organizers expect communities around the world to take part in activities such as electric bike parades, solar home tours, clean energy concerts, community rallies, and policy marches. The campaign is intended to help families and local groups learn how to access and benefit from clean energy technologies.
The announcement comes amid concerns over pending rollbacks in federal clean energy tax credits, including the 30% solar installation credit and a $7,500 rebate for electric vehicles. These programs, once a key part of U.S. climate policy, face uncertainty following the introduction of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” Organizers say the deadline pressure makes the public push for solar power even more urgent.
Smith, who co-founded the nonprofit Climate Revival in 2024 with activist Rev. Lennox Yearwood, has spent years working to mobilize faith-based and frontline communities around environmental justice.
“Antonique is a force both artistically and within the climate movement,” McKibben said. “Not only is she a gifted entertainer, but the way she has been committed to the climate mission with the goal of educating and inspiring makes her the perfect Ambassador for Sun Day.”
A coalition of climate and justice organizations is backing the event, including Fossil Free Media, Sierra Club, GreenFaith, Moms Clean Air Force, Third Act, Rewiring America, and Solar United Neighbors. A free organizing toolkit is available at Sunday.Earth, offering resources to help individuals and groups host events and participate.
How to Get Involved in Sun Day
- Host a local event
- Download the organizing toolkit
- Join or support a nearby Sun Day action
