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December 2023 Newsletter

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SWEA News & Updates

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Message from

Our Founder & Executive Director

Welcome December!

Greetings South Ward Family,


As we reflect on the last days of 2023, we're filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared mission of environmental justice and uplifting the voices of the Mighty South Ward and our city. Here at SWEA, the holiday spirit is a time to reflect on our collective efforts and celebrate the strides we've made together.


During this season of celebration and reflection, we embrace the diversity of traditions, honoring the spirit of Christmas and the principles of Kwanzaa that resonate so deeply with our work.


We firmly believe, Nothing About Us, Without Us, Is For Us and this drives our commitment to ensure environmental justice which extends to Our Homes, Our Schools and Our Communities:


Air Quality Advocacy: We strive to ensure that everyone has the right to breathe clean, healthy air. Our advocacy efforts aim to address air quality issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.


Water Justice: We strive tirelessly to ensure residents have access to safe affordable quality drinking water and neighborhoods free of toxic flooding.


GIS Community Mapping: Through innovative GIS community mapping, we empower communities to visualize environmental disparities, helping to identify and address areas needing urgent attention.


Leadership Training and Youth Development: Our programs nurture leadership skills among our youth, empowering them to become future environmental stewards, advocates for the emerging green jobs and change-makers in their communities and the world.


As we celebrate Kwanzaa, we're reminded of the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) that guide our work and shape our vision for a more just and sustainable world:


1. Umoja (Unity): Working together as a community to achieve our shared goals of environmental equity and justice.


2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Empowering SWEA Air Monitoring, Senior Citizen, Youth Advisory Board and individuals to speak for themselves and take charge of their environmental futures.


3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Acknowledging our shared responsibility to protect our environment and improve the quality of life for every member of our community.


4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Promoting economic practices that support both community well-being and neighborhood development in an environmentally sustainable manner.


5. Nia (Purpose): Focusing on our shared purpose of creating a healthy, vibrant and thriving South Ward inclusive of all regardless of income, color of their skin or zip code for an equitable environment for all.


6. Kuumba (Creativity): Encouraging innovative solutions to environmental challenges through creative approaches connecting environmental storytelling through the art of poetry, STEAM (science,technology, engineering, art and math) and murals to support our hyper local air monitoring, GIS mapping and environmental justice tours.


7. Imani (Faith): “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without work is dead also” James 2:26. We must uphold faith in our community's ability to create authentic collaborations for positive actions and solutions even in the face of our challenges.


As we gather with loved ones to celebrate, let's carry these principles in our hearts and minds, inspired to continue our journey towards a more just and sustainable future. We extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and a New Year filled with hope, progress, and solidarity.


With heartfelt gratitude,

Kim Gaddy, Executive Director

Happening THIS Week!

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023 - RSVP HERE.

Monday, December 18, 2023 - RSVP HERE.

Congratulations Asada!

Join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Asada Rashidi, our esteemed Environmental Justice Organizer, for her exceptional appointment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s inaugural National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). Asada’s dedication continues to shine a bright light on youth leadership and Newark’s fight for environmental justice, making us immensely proud!


NEYAC marks a significant step in empowering the youth's voice in environmental matters. Established by the EPA in 2023, this council is designed to provide vital advice and recommendations to the Administrator, emphasizing the perspectives of communities under 29 years old. It’s a platform to address the pressing issues of climate change and environmental concerns impacting youth communities across the nation.


This council’s commitment to environmental justice is noteworthy, with over 50% of its membership hailing from or primarily working within disadvantaged communities. Asada joins a diverse cohort of passionate individuals dedicated to shaping a more sustainable future for all.


For more details on NEYAC and its newly appointed members, visit https://www.epa.gov/faca/national-environmental-youth-advisory-council-neyac.


New Members of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council include:

- Alexandra Angerman, 25, Wrangell, AK

- Asada Rashidi, 22, Newark, NJ

- [List continues...]


This a major step in Asada’s development and is a testament to her hard work and commitment to environmental advocacy. Let's join hands in celebrating this remarkable achievement and continue supporting her efforts as she represents our community’s voice on a national stage.


Newark Youth is ready to Lead! Together, we stand stronger in our commitment to environmental justice.

South Ward Promise Neighborhood 6th Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon

Residents of the South Ward community were treated to a delicious Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 28, 2023 hosted by the South Ward Promise Neighborhood organization at the Clinton Hill Community & Early Childhood  to Center. This festive family event afforded residents to come together to socialize and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season. There was plenty of food, fun and dancing for those who attended this beautiful event. 

Newarkers Organized For Accountable Development (NOFAD)

The South Ward Environmental Alliance congratulates the participants of the first NOFAD training class. The community groups completed an eight week training and organizing effort to help our frontline organizations build capacity in understanding how zoning and planning impact our neighborhoods. The community groups were Clinton Hill Community Action, Ironbound Community Corporation, United Vailsburg Service Organization, Urban League, United Community Corporation and the Lincoln Park Cultural District.



Special thanks to our instructor Damon Rich, Hector Designs, Toyin Afolabi, Asada Rashidi. Khaatim Sherrer El and NiiAbladley Otu for your leadership to ensure community based organizations can institutionalize the importance of development in their advocacy. Lastly, special thanks to Stephanie Greenwood and the Victoria Foundation for funding the NOFAD project to engage grassroots community groups and residents to join us in advocating for equitable development in Newark.

NJEJA Waste Justice Assembly

The New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance held their Waste Justice

Assembly on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Brick Iron Studios in

downtown Newark. This summit addressed the issue of waste

management and the overburden health impacts in our community.

Historically, Black and Brown communities have become dumping zones for incinerators and chemical recycling plants resulting in pollution affecting the health of thousands of

surrounding residents.


This summit of environmental justice leaders began to initiate the conversation on heightening the awareness of waste recycling and the whole aspect of waste generation from consumption to disposal. There were panel discussions dealing with topics of: Reductioning Food Waste;

Plastic Pollution; and The Impact of Fast Fashion.


Maria Lopez-Nunez, Deputy Director, Ironbound Community Corporation was the Keynote Speaker and she emphasized the importance of EJ activists becoming organizers of this movement. Accountability is of greater importance when you focus on community organizing, concluded Maria Lopez-Nunez.

SWEA Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) Advisory Board Member Highlight:

John Thompson

John Thompson, a dedicated Newark native, has served the city's public schools for 37 years in various roles, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his community. From his humble beginnings as a teacher's aid and bus attendant at George Washington Carver Elementary School to his years as a custodian, John's invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact. Even in retirement, he continues to serve his beloved city, tirelessly working towards better air quality and environmental improvements. 


John recognizes that the work being done currently is not enough, firmly believing that smaller steps can lead to significant changes. He hopes that the citizens of Newark no longer have to endure the detrimental effects of pollution, such as increased cases of asthma and cancer. 


Emphasizing the importance of the South Ward Environmental Alliance and his participation as a member of the air quality monitoring board, John commends their efforts in doing what is right for the city. He envisions himself playing a prominent role in helping his community, going above and beyond to support administrators and positively impact young adults and seniors alike. John's passion for Newark is unmatched, and his dedication to the betterment of his city is truly inspiring. 


Youth Council Member Highlight:

X Braithwaite

SWEA would like to welcome our newest member of the Youth Council to the team, X Braithwaite. X Braithwaite, a Newark native and graduate of Science Park High School, brings a unique perspective and fervor to her role as a youth council member. With a strong foundation in community organizing, X's journey began in high school volunteering at the Newark Students’ Union and the NJ Community Union, where she honed her skills and passion for her community. She then went on to graduate from Guilford College receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Community & Justice Organizing and African & African American Studies. 


Driven by her firsthand experiences, X strongly believes that the collective efforts of various community groups is moving Newark in the right direction when it comes to the quality of the environment. However, she acknowledges that there is always room for improvement. X is particularly impressed by the groundbreaking Environmental Justice Law, recognizing its significance in shaping perceptions of our communities.


What truly influences X's work is her deep empathy and connection with youth facing vulnerability. Through her involvement with the Newark Youth Court during high school and college, and her exploration of the school-to-prison pipeline, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the needs of urban communities and the importance of providing support to young people. X recognizes that issues such as lead exposure and health problems primarily impact children and youth, ultimately influencing their long-term well-being.


Empowering and engaging youth is a big motivating factor for X. By changing the narrative that the young people are unaware of the issues affecting them, she believes mentorship and creating opportunities for interaction are crucial in creating a positive change. As X helps create a brighter future for Newark's youth, she is committed to guiding the younger generation. It is an honor having X work with the SWEA Youth Council. 

Port Electrification East Conference

On November 8th and 9th, I had the honor of representing SWEA in my role as Ports Organizer, at the Port Electrification East  Conference, gathering information and knowledge to share with our organization.  Port Electrification East's Conference mission is to highlight opportunities and solutions for electrification of ports.



The event brought together policy makers, port authorities, terminal operators, state transport departments, local government officials, technology providers, electric power utilities, logistic companies, charging solution providers, and industry experts who presented their perspectives, sharing the lessons learned and discussed solutions for moving forward on port electrification.


Some of the highlights were, electrifying US Ports, Federal Government's initiatives and programs, state policies, and programs to facilitate port electrification.

EPA's Matthew Laurita, Deputy Director, spoke on The Federal Government recently announcing $4 billion in funding to support the electrification of ports. Through the Clean Ports Program, the government will reinvest $3 billion in technologies to reduce pollutants and emissions at ports. EPA Ports Initiative overview priorities include working with port stakeholders to advance the next generation of clean technology and practices that can improve environmental performance and increase economic prosperity.


In addition, Decarbonization of port operations has become a crucial priority to ensure collaborative efforts of the government, port authorities and terminal operators.


The panel discussions and insightful presentation on the challenges associated with electrifying ports, strategies for advancing greener ports, lessons learned from ongoing projects, relevant technologies, and best practices were helpful in understanding the collaborative efforts for zero emissions. 

ACA NET Convening

On November 9th to November 11th, SWEA’s staff member, Asada Rashidi, participated in the Academic Institutions-Communities-Agencies Network (ACA-NET) Convening convened by Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice at the esteemed Spelman and Morehouse College. The purpose of this pivotal conference was clear — to bring together minds and expertise to craft an optimal plan addressing environmental injustice priorities and the profound impacts of climate change. The overarching goal was to construct a future that shines brightly for both current residents and future generations.


The ACA-NET model served as the cornerstone for building a regional network uniting Academic Institutions, Communities, Agencies, and Allies. This collective effort aimed to confront environmental injustice in front-line and fence line communities, particularly those grappling with limited resources. As the convening unfolded, crucial topics like the Roadmap to Justice 40, Community-Based Solutions, and the pivotal role of academic institutions, HBCUs, allies, and big green were discussed. Asada, had the distinct honor of presenting SWEA's impactful work during the community-based solutions panel. The conference, concluding with a dynamic Youth Presentation titled "An EcoHood Does Good," and a celebratory fusion of music from the djembe drums and energetic dancing, left a lasting impression. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate continued collaboration and support for Harambee House, eagerly anticipating the prospect of future gatherings as we strive to move forward together in our shared commitment to environmental justice.

Upcoming Events:

SWEA December meeting canceled:

  • Your consistent participation in our monthly meetings has made this year truly remarkable. Your dedication and commitment have been invaluable to our cause. In light of the upcoming holiday season, we've decided to cancel our meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 27th. We encourage you to cherish this time with your loved ones and enjoy the festivities.
  • Looking ahead, we're excited to reconvene in the new year. Our first meeting of 2024 will take place on Wednesday, January 24th. Register here: https://forms.gle/6W7eBNp4Ryreqw737

Until then, we wish you a joyful and rejuvenating holiday season.


SWEA Summit Save the Date - April 27th 2024

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