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January 2024 Newsletter

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SWEA News & Updates

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Message from

Our Founder & Executive Director

Welcome January 2024!

Greetings South Ward Family,

On behalf of the South Ward Environmental Alliance staff and board, we thank all the volunteers, community partners and members of the SWEA Air Quality Advisory Board, Youth Advisory Board and our Senior Citizen Advisory Board for your support in 2023.


As we start the New Year, we are excited about the new opportunities and collaborations we will engage in to protect our homes, schools and communities from environmental degradation and toxic harms.


As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, I'm thankful that his words led me to the fight for Environmental Justice.

Here are some quotations by Dr. King that continues to inspire me and my fight for justice everyday


“The time is always right to do what is right”


“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”


“Even if I knew the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree”


“We must rapidly begin to shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profits motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”


Let’s make 2024 another great year for Environmental and Climate Justice. Power to the People!


In solidarity,

Kim Gaddy, Executive Director

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

Janise Reliford-Afolo

Janise Reliford-Afolo, one of our newest Air Quality Monitoring board members, is a dedicated advocate for her community. She uses her voice and expertise to make a positive impact. Born and raised in Newark, she has always felt a strong connection to her hometown. Graduating from Montclair State University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, she was destined to make a difference in the lives of others.


Reliford-Afolo's career began as the Assistant Director of the Roselle Linden Community Center, where she gained valuable experience in community outreach. She went on to work for the Newark Housing Authority and Jewish Community Housing Corporation, dedicating her time and efforts to improving living conditions for those in need. Just when she thought she was ready for retirement, Clinton Community Action recognized her passion and hired her as a Housing and Environmental Justice Coordinator. Deeply involved in the community, Reliford-Afolo takes pride in her contribution to the right to have equitable housing, rent control, and inclusionary zone initiatives in Newark. Recognizing that housing is a quality of life issue and an essential part of environmental justice, she advocates for the well-being of her community in various ways. As President of the Tenant Association at Pavilion Apartments, she represents tenants in 680 apartments and actively participates in zoning and planning board meetings.


Reliford-Afolo believes that a healthy environment is crucial, and she is particularly concerned about air quality. Being an asthmatic, she has personally experienced the debilitating effects of poor air quality. She has witnessed firsthand how asthma can impact every aspect of one's life. Her family’s history with asthma has only fueled her determination to fight for a healthier environment. When asked about her greatest concern for the community, Reliford-Afolo emphasizes the untapped power within the black and brown community. She believes that many individuals are unaware of the influence they possess and the potential for change they hold. Unity, she asserts, is the key to making a lasting impact. 


Reliford-Afolo's involvement with the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) stems from her deep respect for the organization's dedication to the community. Witnessing the passion and commitment of SWEA's employees through her work at Clinton Hill Community Action, she was inspired to join their cause. She admires the organization's unwavering support for the community and their relentless pursuit of justice.


As an Air Quality Monitoring board member, Reliford-Afolo sees her role as an opportunity for personal growth and community education. By learning from experienced individuals, she aims to actively participate in educating the community and fighting battles for cleaner air. Janise Reliford-Afolo's passion and dedication have brought her far in advocating for her community. With her involvement in various initiatives and organizations, she continues to empower individuals and work towards positive and lasting change.

SWEA Hosts Meet & Greet at the NHA

During this holiday season the SWEA team hosted a meet and greet at two of the Newark Housing Authority senior housing developments in the South Ward, Seth Boyden Elderly 2-21E and Kretchmer Elderly 2-21A. Both of these properties are located in a highly industrialized community and are impacted by major truck and air traffic, both neighboring the air and sea ports. In efforts to fulfill our mission to inform, empower and engage our community on environmental issues that impact their health and quality of life, we want to reach out to our senior community to hear their perspective on how the environment is impacting their lives and community. We were able to socialize and listen to  shared  stories and concerns for not only their environment but the quality of life concerns as well.We are grateful for the resident leadership of both communities and the members of our senior advisory board who supported this project.

COP28

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, marked a pivotal moment in the global effort to address climate change. Held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, the conference brought together leaders, activists, and organizations from around the world. Asada Rashidi, the Environmental Justice Organizer of the South Ward Environmental Alliance, was privileged to be part of this transformative experience, courtesy of partnerships with Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice and The HBCU Green Fund.


COP28 delved into an expansive array of topics, from refining the intricacies of the "loss and damage" finance facility to hastening a global financial goal for supporting developing countries in their climate change efforts. The conference underscored the urgency of transitioning to clean energy, centering nature and people in climate action, delivering on climate finance promises, and mobilizing inclusivity. These four pillars formed the bedrock of collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and civil society to showcase tangible climate solutions on a global stage.

Click HERE to watch Asada interview Vice President Kamala Harris

A noteworthy aspect of COP28 was Asada Rashidi's dual role, enabled by her recent appointment to the EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. This allowed her to engage in a meaningful interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, exploring the optimism surrounding our collective ability to combat the climate crisis. Asada also presented the impactful work of the South Ward Environmental Alliance during a community-based solutions panel. This enriching experience strengthened bonds with fellow activists and organizations in the environmental and climate justice movements.


While COP28 proved to be a fulfilling experience, it also underscored the complexities and contradictions inherent to the fight against climate change. Attendees, driven by diverse motives, navigated a nuanced space with intentions ranging from business pursuits to grassroots activism. Asada's insights illuminate the challenges faced by newcomers in understanding the intricacies of the conference. Nevertheless, the South Ward Environmental Alliance remains undeterred, expressing a collective hope to send more staff to COP29, recognizing the significance of sustained engagement in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for our planet.

Catch SWEA on an episode of

Everything's Political with Junius Williams

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, SWEA's Youth Organizer, Fajr Kegler, had the honor of being invited to appear on the Everything's Political Podcast with Junius Williams and Francesca Larson. Joining Fajr was Chloe Desir, the Environmental Justice Organizer from Ironbound Community Corporation. The podcast focused on highlighting the perspectives of young organizers in the field of environmental justice.


During their appearance, Fajr and Chloe passionately delved into the pressing environmental crisis facing the city of Newark. They shed light on the various challenges and issues plaguing the community, discussing the impact of pollution, environmental degradation, and limited access to clean resources. Their expertise and knowledge extended well beyond Newark, as they also addressed the broader issue of climate change and environmental concerns nationwide.


Fajr and Chloe provided valuable insights into the urgency of addressing environmental inequities and the need for sustainable solutions. They emphasized the importance of community engagement, education, and activism to create lasting change. Their thoughtful discussion on the podcast not only raised awareness about these critical issues but also showcased the determination and dedication of young organizers working towards environmental justice.


Their appearance on Everything's Political with Junius Williams and Francesca Larson further highlighted SWEA and the Ironbound Community Corporation's commitment to driving public discourse and advancing environmental justice efforts in Newark and beyond.

DEP Holds Community Meeting to

Discuss Climate Change

Although climate change is a global issue that has caused severe devastation in every part of the world, it is now being addressed locally in the state of New Jersey. The most recent forest fire in Canada greatly impacted the air quality on an international level and has made climate change a more prominent topic of discussion.


The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has partnered with community groups recently to host listening sessions regarding six priority areas to address the effects of pollution and climate change in New Jersey . This event was held on Tuesday, December 12,

2023 in Newark for residents to address: transportation; buildings; electricity; wood waste; natural & working land; and highly warming gasses. Newark residents were given the opportunity to prioritize strategies and solutions and share their concern with the NJDEP.


The South Ward Environmental Alliance, Ironbound Community Corporation, New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance and the Newark Green team, were well represented and present at this community forum. Both senior and youth representatives participated in this session to address the climate change impact in our community and provide input on solutions that will help create a healthier community.

Clean Ports Program

On December 14th  2023, SWEA Ports Organizer, Regina Townes, hosted a Clean Ports Program stakeholders meeting with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the Newark Green Team, Friends of the Earth and Ironbound Community Corporation.


It is important to SWEA that funding opportunities from the Clean Ports Program is prioritized with stakeholders and EJ groups through collaboration and engagement. The collaboration and communication amongst stakeholders is crucial to engaging port communities and is a required element of the Clean Ports Initiative.


The PANYNJ is eligible to apply for $500 million of Federal Funding to support zero emissions at the Newark Port.  The South Ward Environmental Alliance supports electrification of equipment and vehicles to ensure residents and workers can breathe clean air and have access to a healthy and vibrant community and workspace.


In our city there are a lot of improvements to be made in our ports. We want to make sure we are the EJ partner to engage and support the climate and air quality activities when PANYNJ begin to write up and submit their grants.


SWEA will be a partner and collaborator leading the outreach discussions and making sure that the health injustices we suffer from, because we are a port community, will be resolved. We are seeking innovative and transformational changes that PANYNJ and NJDEP can do now. This allows for the South Ward to be a Vibrant and Thriving Community where our quality of life is not impacted by the co-pollutants in the air we breathe. 


The PANYNJ have a great resource and maritime outreach center located at 89 Market Street Newark, New Jersey 07102. This office has been a place for discussion with the industry around workforce development opportunities. There is an opportunity and space for the community to get involved and utilize that space for future environmental conversations. 


We must continue to let our voices be heard. Public Engagement is paramount to meet our environmental goals and establish relationships with our community stakeholders.

CHCA Holiday Party

“Tis the season to be jolly” was certainly the theme of this year’s Holiday Community Party and Community Awards Celebration. Families of the Clinton Hill Community were invited to an evening of fun, feast and pure excitement as they entered a hall of holiday festive decorations and the musical pleasure of a live band. The vivacious Rhenotha Whitaker, Deputy Director, led the audience in Christmas caroling and engaging everyone in participating in the festivities. Khaatim Sherrer El, Executive Director informed the community of the numerous successes of the organization and its impact on the community and awarded several residents for their leadership in the Clinton Hill Community. 


Congratulations to all the residents, block, and community partner awardees!

  • Good Neighbor Award - Michael Adames 
  • New Voices Resident Leadership Award - Asha Coates 
  • Yvonne Garret-Patterson Community Champion Award - Richard Whitten
  • Unsung Servant Leadership Award - Ihasan Ali
  • Resident Leader of the Year - Dierda Webb
  • William “Bill” Macklin Legacy Service Award - Arnie Pinnix
  • Block of the Year - Number Block Collective (Courtney and Ozzella Pugh) 
  • Food & Economic Justice - Bessie Green Food Pantry 
  • Community Building - Keep America Beautiful, 
  • Housing & Environmental Justice - Greater Newark HealthCare Coalition
  • Partner of the Year - New Jersey Performing Arts Center



Congratulations to everyone again!

Kwanzaa Family Festival & Marketplace

On December 23, 2023, the NJ Performing Arts Center hosted its annual Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace. Community organizations, including the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA), gathered to showcase their missions. The marketplace buzzed with vendors offering diverse merchandise. Mayor Ras J. Baraka attended and delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the importance of community spirit during the holidays. SWEA's Executive Director, Kim Gaddy, Environmental Justice Organizer, Asada Rashidi, and Youth Organizer, Fajr Kegler, engaged with attendees, inviting them to monthly meetings and highlighting the alignment of SWEA's work with Kwanzaa principles. 


The lobby featured an educational exhibit on Kwanzaa's core principles. Workshops, activities, and live performances entertained participants, including the Orange High School Dance Ensemble and Infinite Step Team from Columbia High School. Drum performances brought an electric energy, setting the stage for ensuing festivities. SWEA felt honored to be part of this Newark tradition. Overall, the Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace promoted unity, celebration, and connection within the community. 

Congratulations to Dr. Nicky Sheats!

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards are awarded annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment and leadership on a variety of environmental issues, including environmental justice, climate change, sustainability and education. The winner of the Environmental Justice category is Dr. Nicky Sheats, the Director of the Center for the Urban Environment at Kean University's John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research.

NJ's Community Solar Program

Advances to Governor's Desk

NJ’s Community Solar Program Advances to Governor’s Desk

Recently the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill to strengthen the state’s

community solar program, increasing its overall size and expanding access by meaningfully eliminating barriers for low- and moderate- income (LMI) residents’ participation.

Members of the NJ Shines Coalition and the Clean Energy Jobs NJ Coalition applaud this step forward, and eagerly anticipate rounding out the legislative session with a major win for equitable access to clean energy.


Community solar is a powerful tool to expand access to the benefits of solar regardless of income level or housing type, and to provide every New Jerseyan the opportunity to choose local, reliable, and lower-cost clean energy solutions. As part of the permanent Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP), 51 percent of the program’s capacity is devoted to serving low-to moderate-income (LMI) subscribers. In addition, subscribers will see a minimum bill credit of 15%, resulting in meaningful guaranteed savings for the communities across the state that stand to benefit the most.


The legislation, A4782/S3123, accomplishes three key things:


  • Streamlining Eligibility Verification


This legislation puts self-attestation, a key equity provision within New Jersey’s permanent Community Solar Energy Program, into law. Previously, qualifying for low-and moderate-income (LMI) community solar required extensive documentation of income. This can be frustrating, embarrassing, and decrease overall adoption.


  • Allowing municipalities to facilitate access for low income subscribers


This bill allows the sharing of necessary information so that municipalities can identify and subscribe eligible community members to automatically receive energy bill savings. This change ensures that the benefits of clean energy flow to those who need them the most, since at least 80% of municipally aggregated subscribers will be low and moderate income.



  • Updating the community solar program’s size

This legislation increases the amount of community solar that NJ will enjoy. The need for community solar, and the public enthusiasm for it, currently outstrips the size of the program. This December the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced that it had received enough applications for the Community Solar Energy Program to generate more than 300 megawatts of new solar. By modestly increasing the program’s capacity, the bill accelerates the state’s clean energy transition and expands access to clean energy for more New Jersey residents, regardless of income or housing type.


“New Jersey’s community solar program has rapidly emerged as a national leader in the fight for an equitable clean energy future.” said Elowyn Corby, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for national non-profit Vote Solar. “We’re grateful to the state leaders who have pushed to make this vision a reality, and to the communities across the state who’ve tirelessly worked to prove that we don’t need to choose between speed and equity in our clean energy transition. When we commit to a clean energy transition that puts the interests, health, and wellbeing of people at its center, the sky really is the limit.”


“Making solar more available to low income, urban and people of color communities is environmental justice. Newark residents are on the front lines of overlapping health, climate, economic, racial and democratic crises and this bill helps tackle all of them. It will stimulate business, address climate justice, and reduce the number of kids and seniors gasping for air from an asthma attack, running to the ER, missing school and work, and suffering premature

death disproportionately," said South Ward Environmental Alliance founder Kim Gaddy, a 4th generation Newarker with three asthmatic children.

"This bill is a smart, much needed piece of legislation. It will not only bring down energy bills for low and middle income New Jersayans but also holds strong potential for improved health outcomes for those folks as well, promoting a transition away from reliance on polluting fossil fuels. As such, it is an important step toward addressing long-standing environmental inequities

suffered in overburdened communities” said Keith Voos, Environmental Justice Chair of the Metuchen-Edison-Piscataway Branch of the NAACP.

"Regardless of the ZIP Code that you live in, color of your skin or your income, you should be able to get your electricity from a renewable energy source. Making community solar increasingly accessible to homeowners and renters alike is critical to shutting off fossil fuel plants that disproportionately impact these same neighborhoods," said Clean Water Action NJ State Director Amy Goldsmith “By expanding community solar in overburdened communities, this bill will create good jobs for local residents, reduce lung disease, and fight climate change where that's all needed the most,”said Empower NJ's David Pringle.

Upcoming Events:


  • SWEA Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, January 24th at 6:00 PM via zoom
  • Registration link HERE
  • Navigating the DEP System: A series of environmental justice seminars for advocates from Overburdened Communities. NJDEP in partnership with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council's Environmental Education Committee is thrilled to launch the 'Navigating the DEP System' seminar series. Learn directly from staff at the Department of Environmental Protection about our tools, regulations, and processes. 
  • Seminar 1: Newark – Saturday, January 27th, 2024, 10 AM-2:30 PM
  • Newark Tech, Essex County School of Technology, 91 W Market Street / Hybrid

Seminar topic: DEP Environmental Planning & Monitoring Tools

  • Registration link HERE


  • SWEA's Environmental Justice & Community Organizing 101: Feb. 28 – 6:00-7:00 PM EDT. The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) will host a virtual training session on Wednesday, February 28th at 6:00 PM EDT for those interested in learning about environmental justice and community organizing. Sign up HERE to get the Zoom link.


SWEA Summit Save the Date - April 27th 2024

Murphy Administration Announces Tools to Protect New Jerseyans from Increasing Flood Risks Brought by Climate Change

To address New Jersey’s increasing flood risks under climate change, Governor Murphy has unveiled new and enhanced tools and technologies designed to provide prospective homebuyers and renters with critical information needed to make better informed decisions on where they choose to live and how best to protect their property from flood damage. The measures include the publication of new and enhanced property disclosure forms notifying prospective buyers and tenants of a property’s known flood history and potential flood risks, as well as the launch of a user-friendly internet look-up tool searchable by mailing address that identifies properties in flood hazard areas. Learn more and read the full press release online.

Murphy Administration Invests Nearly $13 million Toward a Zero Transportation Emissions Future

Governor Murphy's nearly $13 million investment, funded by New Jersey's participation in RGGI, aims to protect residents, the environment, and the economy from climate change. The initiative involves using auction proceeds to increase electric trucks and buses in communities burdened by air pollution. The program, part of the state's efforts to electrify transportation, supports goals to phase out fossil-fueled vehicles and prioritize clean mobility options, highlighted by the release of the second RGGI Strategic Funding Plan.


 Webinar: Draft Policy for Public Participation

in Agency Decision-Making Processes

EPA announced a draft policy, "Achieving Health and Environmental Protection Through EPA’s Meaningful Involvement," detailing enhanced public engagement across its programs and regions, recognizing that involving individuals with lived experiences strengthens health and environmental protections. The draft policy is available until January 16, 2024.

Two upcoming webinars will provide an overview of the policy and allow the public to ask questions:

Tribes may request policy consultation by January 5, 2024, through EPA's Tribal Consultation Tracking Opportunities System (TCOTS) website.

NJDEP Grants and Loans Needs Survey

Help us help you!  Please take the NJDEP's survey to share your environmental needs and challenges as a local government or nonprofit organization. Your responses will help the NJDEP better assist you through grants, loans, and other opportunities.  

  • If you represent or work for a county or municipality, please take this survey.  
  • If you work for a nonprofit organization, please take this survey.

Questions can be sent to unitingfinancialresources@dep.nj.gov.

The EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP) Community Change Grants program is NOW OPEN!

 The program is funding projects to address environmental and climate injustices for communities facing legacy pollution, climate change, and persistent disinvestment. Technical assistance on your application will also be available. In total, $2 Billion will be rewarded with $50 million reserved for U.S. territories. 

Who can apply? 

  1. A partnership between at least two community-based organizations.
  2. A partnership between a community-based organization and one or any of the following: Federally recognized tribes, Local governments, Higher education institutions

Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis until November 21, 2024.


An informational video is available online.

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