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Message from
Our Founder & Executive Director
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Welcome October!
Greetings South Ward Family,
October is an exciting month with many celebrations and changes in the colors of our environment, however the colors don’t change the environmental injustices.This month was filled with many opportunities to address Environmental and Climate justice activities from toxic facilities like incinerators and coal-fired power plants. Newark and EJ communities suffer from mercury, arsenic, lead and other contaminants into our food, water and lungs. This is why our fight is a civil rights issue and we are focusing our educational outreach to support the “Cleanest” Clean Energy Standard Bill (S2978). The Newark community must be informed on a critical opportunity to implement a strong nation-leading, forward-looking definition of clean energy. Clean energy laws that fail to account for co-pollutants (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic, iodine, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, ozone precursors, black carbon) and/or that allow for net accounting are foregoing essential health gains and can even worsen air quality in environmental justice communities and increase greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Thus, to protect environmental justice communities and reduce GHG emissions to the greatest extent possible, the definition of “clean electricity production facility” must exclude facilities that emit co-pollutants as well as net accounting of GHG emissions.
The South Ward Environmental Alliance stands in solidarity with the Ironbound Community Corporation and the Proposed definition language. We believe these additions will achieve the following:
- Ensure how NJ defines “clean” energy truly means clean to protect environmental justice communities from further harm in the energy transition and provides the greatest reductions in GHG emissions based on the whole life cycle of energy production; and
- Prevent polluting facilities like trash incinerators from receiving ratepayer subsidies when they violate air pollution emission permit limits.
For additional information visit:
https://actionnetwork.org/events/no-more-dirty-energy-subsidies-in-new-jersey/
Our lives Matter in the South Ward of Newark.
Stand up, Mighty South Ward! Join us, your seat is waiting.
Peace and Blessings,
Kim Gaddy, Executive Director
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The Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, & Health (CEEJH) program at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, hosted its annual symposium, focusing on vital issues that affect not only the local DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) region but also communities across the nation. The symposium was held on September 14th to September 16th. Advocates, community members, nonprofit organizers, policymakers, researchers, environmental justice professionals, and students gathered for the symposium. The event promised to be an in-depth exploration of pressing environmental and climate justice matters, under the theme "People, Power, & Politics."
With a dynamic schedule that spanned three days, participants had the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, network with like-minded individuals, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of environmental justice and health disparities. Topics were diverse and covered, food sovereignty to healthcare access, community science, environmental and climate justice mapping tools. The symposium also delved into the intricate world of law, policy, and new advancements in the pursuit of just and clean energy transitions.
South Ward Environmental Alliance Executive Director, Kim Gaddy and EJ Organizer, Asada Rashidi, served as panelists for various sessions. Their valuable insights and experiences added a unique dimension to the symposium, making it an even more enriching experience for all attendees. Additionally, the event brought the Mid-Atlantic Climate Action (MATCH) HUB partners together in person for the first time, further strengthening the bonds of the environmental justice community.
As the symposium came to a close on that Saturday evening, the attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened resolve to continue their work in the realm of environmental justice. The "People, Power, & Politics" theme that ran throughout the event served as a reminder that progress is driven by the people, the power they harness, and the politics they shape. Together, we have the capacity to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by environmental injustices, health disparities and this symposium was a powerful step in that direction.
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On September 12, 2023, SWEA staff participated in a meeting and a tour of the Newark Port. This event was organized by Terrance Bankston, Senior Ports Organizer and Freight Campaigner, Friends of the Earth. Participants included members from Parents Engaging Parents (PEP), Harbour Estuary (HEP), Citizens Climate Lobby, Pacific Environment and staff of the PANYNJ. Tanja Grzeskowitz, Senior Program Manager, Port Sustainability & Resilience, Port Development, updated the participants on current and future trends and priorities of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
"Environmental Justice communities are subject to disproportionate health risks due to air pollution from port operations throughout the United States. The biggest offender is soot pollution due to emissions in port communities - especially around Elizabeth, NJ, Newark, NJ, and Brooklyn, NY. For LatinX residents, the exposure to soot pollution is 75% higher. For Black Americans, the risk of dying from soot pollution is the highest, with a rate of over triple that of White Americans (International Council on Clean Transportation 2023). Luckily, the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) creates unique opportunities for billions of dollars in federal funding to support port emission-reduction efforts. These efforts have not been prioritized historically, so many U.S. ports are unfamiliar with applying to large federal programs for green port infrastructure. As the Senior Ports and Freight Campaigner for Friends of the Earth and as an Environmental Justice Advocate from Newark, New Jersey, it was important to host and engage local, state, and national stakeholders in this ports and Environmental Justice advocacy session. I want to thank NYNJPA’s Port Sustainability & Resilience, Port Department, and their community engagement department for sharing current information pertaining to environmental policies, priorities, and programs. In addition to expanding their current work, we are hopeful for new and ambitious project proposals that can be funded through IRA and BIL. Furthermore, we encourage our larger ports like NYNJPA, to example port and EJ collaborations that are environmentally transformative for both our port and portside communities, concluded Terrance Bankston."
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On September 9, 2023, SWEA had the honor of receiving an invitation from Councilman Patrick Council to join the South Ward Rumba Latina Festival at the Clinton Ave SoundStage. The festival was a massive celebration that started at noon and continued until the evening, offering several activities for the community members of all ages.
At the festival, SWEA's team members, Fajr Kegler and Asada Rashidi, were delighted to join with other community organizations and spread their mission to the event participants. Some of the organizations included New Jersey Cops 4 Kids, Essex County Register's Office, South Ward Promise Neighborhood, Youth Legacy Leaders, Newark Community Street Team and many more!
There was something enjoyable for everyone at this festival. The kids had a blast with activities such as face painting and jumping in the bouncy house, while adults relished traditional Latin cuisine from various vendors. The celebration also highlighted plenty of live music performances by Eric Cabanilla & Grupo K'ndela, DJ Bandido Noralberto Orengo, and many more special guests.
Overall, this festival provided an excellent opportunity for SWEA to connect with the community and organizations alike. SWEA was delighted to support the festival and contribute to spreading awareness about their objectives. These types of events encourage a sense of togetherness amongst the community members and SWEA is looking forward to participating in events in the future.
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Rutgers University Hosts
The 2023 Racial Justice Summit
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Rutgers Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice held their 2023 Racial Justice Summit on Friday, September 22, 2023 in Newark. The theme of their summit was “Fighting for the Now, Hopeful for the Future”. This was their first student led event to explore the future of racial justice that dealt with race relations on all three of their campuses. Also this event highlighted the first year of activities of the under-graduate Fellows in Racial Justice.
The event hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Intellectual Life featured three panels that addressed the theme of the conference. The first panel, Education Not Incarceration: “Translating” University-Prison Partnerships Across the Diaspora was most inspiring having distinguished panelists who were incarcerated and received their college degrees while in the penal system. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Roxane Gay, an American writer, professor, editor and social commentator.There were attendees from both the academic community and community based organizations in support of this year’s summit.
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PEP Advocacy to Action Forum | |
Parents Engaging Parents (PEP) hosted an Advocacy to Action Forum on September 23. It was a day filled with inspiration and empowerment. The event featured multiple sessions, each addressing critical topics to foster positive change in our communities. From proactive advocacy for children's education to discussions on the vital work of environmental justice, the agenda was packed with informative and engaging sessions.
One particularly impactful session was led by EJ organizers Asada Rashidi and X Braithwaite from the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) and Clean Water Action (CWA) respectively. They delved into the topic of "How to Talk about Climate Change/Talking to Kids about Climate Change." This session resonated with many attendees as it underlined the pressing importance of understanding how climate change affects our neighborhoods and quality of life. Moreover, heat islands impacts, low tree canopy and cumulative impacts of pollution are adverse factors, impacting us all. The engaged audience illustrated the hunger for these conversations, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change and its consequences.
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SWEA Monthly Meeting, Wednesday, October 25 at 6pm via Zoom
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click HERE for registration
Final Public Hearing & Vote on Newark Replacement Zoning, Wednesday October 18th, 6:30pm, at City Hall (920 Broad St.)
- see flyer above for more information
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program Kickoff Workshop
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New Jersey is expanding its commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change through its participation in the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. The CPRG program is a nationwide, two-phase grant funded through the Inflation Reduction Act. In phase one New Jersey received $3 million from the USEPA to update and enhance the state’s existing climate action plans. New Jersey has developed a workplan outlining its approach to completing a Priority Climate Action Plan (by March 2024), a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (by mid-2025), and a Status Report (by mid-2027).
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To support the development of the State’s Climate Action Plans, NJDEP is hosting a kickoff workshop on October 24, 2023, from 12-1:30pm. The virtual event will discuss New Jersey’s workplan and priorities, anticipated process for the climate pollution planning and implementation grants and future engagement opportunities.
- This is an opportunity for New Jersey residents, municipal and county officials, and community organizations to provide valuable feedback on the state’s greenhouse gas reduction priorities and a look forward on what can be expected throughout the CPRG planning and implementation process.
- RSVP to the Kickoff Workshop
Inaugural Public Health Symposium - Friday, October 27, 2023
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Be a part of the Inaugural Public Health Symposium for Health Justice in New Jersey, hosted by The Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing, where we will unite to emphasize the importance of public health and the conference's pivotal role in advancing positive change. The Inaugural Public Health Symposium for Health Justice in New Jersey, hosted by The Center for Health Equity and Wellbeing, takes place on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, at Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus. At this event, we'll deep-dive into addressing New Jersey's distinct public health challenges and crafting tailored solutions. It will serve as a platform for robust discussions and advocacy in favor of policies that bolster public health initiatives within the state of New Jersey. Register today!
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click HERE to register
- Kim Gaddy is a panelist for the Climate Change & Environmental Justice track of the conference.
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TCTAC Launch Meeting - New Jersey - Virtual Meeting Monday, October 30th, 5:30pm-7pm
- New York EPA Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC)! This is a new initiative that will help communities in New York and New Jersey access millions of dollars of federal funding for environmental justice efforts. Join us in celebrating this giant leap forward for environmental justice and learn more about the program and how it can help your community.
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click HERE to register
SWEA Youth Council
The purpose of the South Ward Environmental Alliance’s Youth Advisory Council is to cultivate, recruit and engage South Ward and other youths to become the next generation of environmental justice advocates.
SWEA GALA
Are you interested in being a part of our Green Alliance Leadership Academy (GALA) training? In this program you will receive green jobs training, one-one coaching, and job placement.
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