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.

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."

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.

Rutgers University Hosts

The 2023 Racial Justice Summit

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.

Connect With Us!