NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee State University graduate and civil rights advocate is among a dozen people being recognized by the White House for their efforts in protecting the environment and communities from the effects of climate change.

The university announced this week that Dr. Gerald L. Durley is one of the "Champions of Change."

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.

Durley, a 1964 TSU graduate, has testified before the Environmental Protection Agency on the clean power plan and is currently working to eradicate fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water.

He has worked with several groups on climate change, including Interfaith Power and Light, U.S. Climate Action Network, the Environmental Working Group and Green Law.