SHARE:  

March 2024 Newsletter

#SWEANews | #SWEA | #SouthWardEA | #SouthWardEnvironmentalAlliance

SWEA News & Updates

Check Out Our Website!

Message from

Our Founder & Executive Director

Welcome March!

Greetings South Ward Family,

As we celebrate the month of March, let's take the time to celebrate Women's History Month by acknowledging the women I worked for  the Hon. Marie Villani and South Ward’s own Hon. Mildred Crump. 

Marie Villani was the first woman to win a citywide election in the state’s largest city in 1974 and served for six terms.

Mildred C. Crump was the first Black Women elected to the Newark Municipal Council in 1994 and served one term. In 2006 she ran again and served until 2021.

As the former Aide to Marie Villani in 1988 and Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Crump in 1994, it was an honor to serve and prioritize the needs of Black Women and the residents of Newark at the Municipal Council level.

Although they were the first, let's acknowledge all the women elected to the Newark Municipal Council.  Gayle Chaneyfied-Jenkins, Bessie Walker, Mamie Bridgeforth, Dana Rone, LaMonica McIver and Louise Scott-Rountree.

We thank you for your service.

Peace and Blessings!

Kim Gaddy, Executive Director

The members of the Coalition for Healthy Ports participated in a Ports tour with EPA Regional 2 Administrator Lisa Garcia, staff and Port Authority of NYNJ representatives. The event was a snapshot tour to highlight first-hand the impacts of goods movement on nearby communities like Newark, Elizabeth and Jersey City.

Kim Gaddy, represented SWEA and led the tour of the South Ward, Chloe Desir represented Ironbound Community Corporation and led the East Ward tour, Amy Goldsmith, represented the Coalition for Healthy Ports and led the Port tour, Walter Leak, led the Elizabeth tour and Debra Italiano led the Jersey City tour.

The event concluded with presentations from SWEA, NJEJA, Sustainable Jersey City and Uprose at an evening session at the New School.



BethAnn Rooney, Director of Port Operations and her staff had the opportunity to respond to concerns of the communities.


We are looking forward to future engagements to ensure zero emissions at the Port to protect the workers and zero emissions zones in our communities to protect the residents of the South Ward, Newark and port communities.

Colombia Trip

On February 3rd, Regina Townes, SWEA Ports Organizer, and Kim Gaddy, Environmental Justice Director, Clean Water Action traveled to Colombia as delegates with The Moving Forward Network (MFN), Global Ports Exploratory Committee led by Mark Lopez, East Yards for Environmental Justice. 

The purpose of traveling to Global Ports is to share our stories and provide guidance and recommendations to ensure support and solidarity with Port communities impacted by  impacts from the goods and freight movement.


Buenaventura, known as “El Puerto,” is a coastal seaport city located in the Pacific Region in Colombia.  It serves as the main port of Colombia on the Pacific Ocean.  From the ports of Buenaventura, a variety of goods are exported, contributing to Colombia’s economy   and international trade.


The strategic port is situated in the Bay of Buenaventura.  Unfortunately, some residents of Buenaventura dispose of their refuse directly into the bay.  When the winds and tides align discarded items such as cans, bottles, and plastic float away and eventually wash up on the nearby beaches.  Despite the natural beauty of these black sand beaches, the presence of garbage impairs their pristine state.


The accumulation of trash poses environmental risks to the residents, marine life, coastal ecosystems and the overall health of the bay.


Visiting Cali Colombia, known as the Salsa capital of the world, the city faces significant impacts with climate change and social unrest.


The torrential rain that happens almost every day, floods the streets causing the movement of living to pause, until the cease of the storms.


The Urban transformation in the city aim to improve safety and create a more positive environment for residents and visitors.  The city faces a delicate balance between resilience, adaptation and addressing social and environmental challenges.

With my final view of the city of Siloe, it looked like a mountain of tiny lights with its own dimensions of materials used to build homes. The star of Siloe shined brightly, illuminating the hilltops, reminding everyone that even in challenging circumstances, light can emerge from darkness.

2nd Annual Senior's Valentine's Day Celebration

The SWEA Senior Citizen Advisory Board, staffed by Jim Young, Senior Citizen Organizer hosted their Annual “I Love My Community” Valentine’s Day Celebration on February 15, 2024 at the Newark Genesis Clinton Apartments in their beautiful Community Room. This year’s theme was “Love is Green”. The emphasis was not only loving the community, but protecting the environment as well. The air we breathe, the water we drink and our protection of green spaces in our community is most important in our ability to enjoy the quality of life that is essential to our survival. Statistics show that the elderly population is most vulnerable to the drastic effects of climate change and environmental disasters. This event was well supported by the community, political and civic leadership of our community. Our seniors came out in their festive attire celebrating the season of love. They dined to a delicious catered buffet, were educated on the need to continue to protect and love their community and neighbors, and danced the rest of the evening.

The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council

The National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC) marked a historic moment on February 28th and 29th during its inaugural public meeting, with a highlight being a special appearance by EPA Administrator Michael Regan on the second day. SWEA’s Environmental Justice Organizer, Asada Rashidi, is one of the 15 youth advocates appointed to serve on the EPA's Inaugural Youth Advisory Council. The NEYAC, positioned to provide independent advice and recommendations, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the EPA's efforts to tackle a spectrum of environmental issues concerning youth, with a primary focus on communities below 29 years of age. The Council members are set to offer a critical perspective on how climate change and environmental harms disproportionately impact youth communities. The NEYAC will specifically concentrate on three key areas: Advancing Environmental Justice in Communities, Protecting Communities by Addressing Climate Change and Reducing Harmful Emissions, and Advancing the Circular Economy by Reducing Food Loss and Waste, and Increasing Recycling. This groundbreaking initiative signifies a dedicated effort to empower the youth in shaping a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Asada is pictured alongside Administrator Regan as well as nine other NEYAC members. 

Ports Advisory Board Member Highlights:

David Muhammad began his career with the City of Newark in September of 2002 as the administrative assistant to Ras Baraka, who was the Deputy Mayor for Mayor Sharpe James.

In 2005, David served as a Legislative Aide focusing on constituent services for the West Ward under Councilman-at-large Ras Baraka who was serving out the vacated seat of legendary Councilman Donald Tucker.  

From 2006 – 2010, David served as community relations specialist for Deputy Mayor Ron Salahuddin. In this capacity, David and his partner, Earl “Street Doctor” Best spearheaded Operation Focus, which was an intervention program for court involved youth, creating an educational pathway from the youth detention center back into Newark Public Schools.  


2010 – 2014, David served as legislative aide to South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka.

2015 – 2020, David succeeded Ms. Darlene Noble as manager of the Mayor’s Office of Affirmative Action. As manager of the Office of Affirmative Action, David was responsible for monitoring local, MWBE and workforce participation by developers seeking tax abatements and city funded projects.  Those firms that were non-compliant were levied liquidated damages which was then used to provide free OSHA 30 training for Newark Residents, as well as providing financial assistance with union dues for out of work Newark construction trades workers.

In the Summer of 2020, David transitioned into his present position as Administrator for the City of Newark’s Office of Airport and Seaport Administration (OASA). As Administrator for (OASA), David serves as a liaison for the City of Newark with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In this role, David works to ensure that Local Newark, MWBE, Contractors and Vendors are engaged and represented with Port Authority projects at Newark Liberty International Airport and Port Newark Marine Terminal. David is also responsible for making sure that the Port Authority is transparent on its projects with the Residents of the City of Newark.


David is a graduate of Rutgers University, class of 1990. He also served as a board member for Family Intervention Services Inc. He is a founding board member of the Newark Community Street Team as well as a founding member of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition.

David Muhammad lives with his family in the Weequahic Section in Newark, NJ.

Eric Townes



Eric Townes is a career driven professional with a diverse background in Entertainment, Advertising, Graphic Design, Creative Writing, Fine Art and Maritime Operations. Currently working for New York Shipping as a Longshoreman and member of ILA Local 1233 for the last 20+ years, stationed at PNCT / PORTS AMERICA in which he is certified to operate several types of machinery. Eric is also Co-Owner of Townes Enterprises LLC (Property Management) and Owner of New Visions Worldwide LLC. (Arttownes Online Art Gallery) amongst other entrepreneurial ventures. He is always open to utilize his skills in team building and the process of improvement.

Youth Council Member Highlight:

Julian Walls

Meet Julian Walls, a 19-year-old student at Northampton Community College and a member of the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) Youth Council. Raised in Newark's South Ward, Julian attributes his character and values to the lessons and experiences the community provided him. Julian has witnessed first-hand the environmental issues in the South Ward, including factory pollution and street litter. He firmly believes in the importance of the Youth Council, as it provides a platform for unheard voices to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas for community improvement.


Inspired by his surroundings, Julian joined SWEA to make a difference in environmental activism and adress the high asthma rates among residents. He is particularly passionate about advocating for electric cars to combat diesel pollution on a global scale. Through the Youth Council, Julian sees positive changes happening in the community, breaking down fears of change and fostering a dialogue for progress. He identifies the fear of change as a significant challenge in the South Ward but remains optimistic about the impact of collective efforts.


Julian's personal goal is to contribute to building a better neighborhood through his environmental activism. Being part of a diverse group has shown him that, with dedication, hard work, and time, they can make a meaningful difference. Julian's commitment serves as an inspiring force for positive change in the South Ward.

Upcoming Events:


  • SWEA Monthly meeting, Wednesday, March 27 at 6pm via zoom
  • Registration Link HERE
  • SWEA Summit Save the Date - April 27th 2024


UPDATES -TICTAC partners for Region 2


NJDEP: Navigating the DEP Seminar Series (Mar. 23 – 10:00 AM-2:30 PM)


The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is hosting “Navigating the DEP: A Series of Environmental Seminars for Overburdened Communities,” in-person events designed to help environmental justice advocates based in New Jersey learn about its tools, regulations, permitting processes, and opportunities for funding. These seminars are free and open to the public, with lunch being provided. The next seminar will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10:00 AM-2:30 PM at the Mastery High School of Camden, located at 800 Erie Street in Camden, NJ. The focus will be on Understanding the Regulatory Process II. Register here and contact Christina Gonzalve (christina.gonzalve@dep.nj.gov) with questions.


NJEJA’s Organizational Growth: Building a Sustainable Future for Your Organization (Mar. 26 – 6:00-7:00 PM)


Join New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA) on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM for a candid conversation on leveraging federal funding to help build and sustain your organization. WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Alternatives for Community and Environment have both been awarded substantial federal grants, and will discuss some of their key learnings around applying for and managing federal grants as grassroots organizations.

Sign up here to get the zoom link.

Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants, New CPRG and Community Change Grants Resources, and more

Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance (March 4, 2024).


USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant Program

1) FY2024 United States Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Grant Program 

The UAIP Grant Program funds planning and implementation projects, with priority for areas facing food and nutrition insecurity. Grants range from $75,000 to $350,000. Eligible entities include non-profits, local government, tribal organizations, and schools K-12. Applications are due Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Go to #1 on our website for more...


EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (Community Change Grants)

2) 6-step Application Guides for Community Change Grants

EPN has added a Track II sample proposal narrative to its 6-step application guides for the Change Grants. You will also find a sample proposal narrative for Track 1, plus additional templates/samples for Track I attachments. Although the final deadline for the Change Grants is November 21, 2024, EPA plans to review applications on a rolling basis each month, and there may be initial award announcements as soon as March 2024. As such, EPN suggests that applicants (who are ready) submit applications ASAP. Please reach out to info@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org if you would like additional help. Go to #2 on our website for more information.


3) Community Change Grants Target Investment Areas (TIAs) Webinars

EPA will hold a series of informational webinars specifically for TIAs: Tribes in Alaska, other Tribes, Territories, Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities, and US-Southern Border Communities. Each webinar will last between 60-90 minutes and will cover application requirements, eligible entities, eligible project activities, and other helpful information on the specific TIAs. Go to #3 on our website for more information and to register.


4) Community Change Grants Updated Information

EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) has updated and modified two important documents for the Change Grants, including a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document and a modified Notice of Funding Opportunity to clarify certain areas. Go to #4 on our website for more information.


5) Community Change Technical Assistance Program (CCTA) and Community

Change Equitable Resilience Technical Assistance (CCER TA)

As a reminder, EPA is offering two pro bono technical assistance to Community Change Grants applicants through CCTA and CCER TA for applicants in disaster-prone areas. In addition, CCTA is holding a series of informational webinars weekly on Tuesdays, 3-4 pm ET, through at least March 2024. Go to #5 on our website to apply for EPA’s pro bono assistance and to register for these helpful webinars.

6) Funding to Help Communities Apply for Federal Funding

The Just Transition Fund is a national philanthropic organization that provides grants (up to $100k) and technical assistance to help communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry apply for federal funding, like EPA’s Community Change Grants program. Nonprofit organizations and local governments located in a community with a coal plant and/or mine are eligible to apply if they’re applying for federal funding for an economic development, workforce, or broadband infrastructure project. Go to #6 on our website for more information.


EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Implementation Grants (CPRG)

7)  Step-by-Step Guides to the CPRG Implementation Application Process

EPN has created application guides for the General Competition (due April 1, 2024), and the Tribal/Territories Only Competition (due May 1, 2024) and for Applicants Interested in Applying to both the General Competition and the Tribal and Territories Only Competition. Go to #7 on our website for more information.


8) CPRG Implementation Grants Webinar on FAQs

EPA hosted a webinar on the CPRG Implementation Grants competitions on February 15th, reviewing frequently asked questions (FAQs). Go to #8 on our website for more information and to access presentation materials.


9) Updated CPRG Implementation Grants Questions and Answers (Q&As)

General Competition questions and answers were updated on February 16, 2024, and Tribes and Territories competition questions and answers were updated February 6, 2024. Go to #9 on our website to access these.


Virtual Office Hours and Webinars

10) EPN SAM.gov Registration Office Hours 

Please join us every other Wednesday (the next March 27th at 2pm eastern. EPN staff will help you begin, continue, or finish up your registration process. As a reminder, federal funding applicants must have an active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration in order to apply, and subawardees must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on SAM.gov. The UEI is used to validate and verify U.S. contractors. Go to #10 on our website for more information.


11) IRS Office Hours - Elective Pay/Direct Pay

The IRS is hosting additional office hours to help entities with the pre-filing registration process. Pre-filing registration is a required step for applicable entities and eligible taxpayers to take advantage of elective payment/direct pay or transfer of credits available in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act. Registration is required. Go to #11 on our website for more information.

Click to read: EPN’s Bimonthly Newsletter: EPN In Action: January-February 2024

Connect With Us!

Facebook  Instagram  Twitter  Youtube  Web