#SWEANews | #SWEA | #SouthWardEA | #SouthWardEnvironmentalAlliance | |
Message from
Our Founder & Executive Director
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Welcome February and Black History Month!
Greetings South Ward Family,
As we prepare to celebrate 365 Black- Black History Month, let’s reflect and give thanks to the inventors, artists, activists, educators and leaders who are our ancestors. Let’s acknowledge the present successes we have made and continue to inspire others to do something now.
I am thankful for the many individuals who inspired, encouraged and supported me to be the activist I am today. However, there is one who poured the most so I could flourish and prosper.
I introduce my mentor and Founder of the International Black Women’s Congress, Dr. Lafrancis Rodgers-Rose for her sacrifices and contributions to teaching generations of leaders across the African Diaspora.
Let’s continue to celebrate each other and pull together, ‘Harambee” for a thriving, vibrant and eco-friendly South Ward community.
Peace and Blessings!
Kim Gaddy, Executive Director
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Black History Month Highlight | |
| | Dr. La Francis Rodgers-Rose is a 1954 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Morgan State University in sociology, anthropology and history in 1958; the master’s degree from Fisk University in 1960, focusing on race and culture and the doctorate from the University of Iowa in 1964, becoming the first Black woman in the department and only the 9th Black woman in the United States to earn the doctorate in sociology. As a trained symbolic interactionist theorist, her dissertation was “An Empirical Test of Three Stages of Harry Stack Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry.” Eight years later in 1972 she published her theory on ”The Dominant Values in Black Culture.” Dr. Rodgers-Rose is also the editor of the book The Black Woman (1980), the first comprehensive social science book in Black Women Studies; co-author with her late brother Dr. James T. Rodgers of Strategies for Resolving Conflicts in Black Male and Female Relationships (1985); co-editor of Every Black Woman Should Wear a Red Dress (2001), Her much anticipated volume on The Black Women: From Antiquity to the Present will be published in 2023.
Dr. Rodgers-Rose has more than thirty years of teaching experience, having taught at St. Olaf College, Case Western Reserve University, Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania. She taught African American Studies at Princeton University from 1973-1988, teaching courses on Black self-concept, the Black family, the Black Woman and Research in the Black Community. Her last teaching position was at Drew University from 1988-1996. She is a founding member and Past President of the Association of Black Sociologists, 1976; Past President of the Association of Social Behavioral Scientists, 1996, and Founder and CEO of the International Black Women’s Congress, 1983. She is a Fulbright Fellow to Africa (1984) and a past Distinguished Sociology Scholar, 1972. She is a member of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations, the American Sociological Association, the Association of Black Sociologists, the National Council of Negro Women, Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Rodgers-Rose was honored by the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women with their highest award, the Noble/Women International Leadership Award in 2000. She was honored in 2004 by the Governor of New Jersey, the New Jersey General Assembly and the Cites of Newark, East Orange, Trenton and Camden for her community leadership and service in New Jersey. She was selected as the National Woman of the Year for Iota Phi Lambda Sorority (2007-2009). Dr. Rodgers-Rose received the Founder’s Award from the Association of Black Sociologists in 2011. In May 2017, she received the Malcolm X Unity Award from the African Arts Festival of Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Rodgers-Rose received the 2019 Unsung Hero Award from the Norfolk Public Library for Black History Month. She was the Norfolk Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Unsung Hero in 2021. In 1993, she was enstooled as Nana Obaapanyin Akosua Asantewaa Ofosua I of Aburi, Ghana. Dr. Rodgers-Rose is a blessed twenty year heart transplant recipient and continues to do all she can to right the scales of justice.
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On January 26th, 2024, SWEA held their first Ports Advisory Board meeting. The board is composed of representatives from the City of Newark, PANYNJ, Coalition for Healthy Ports(CHPS), Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), Pacific Environment and ILA workers from Port Newark.
The purpose for the Ports Advisory Board is to seek guidance and recommendations for the South Ward Environmental Alliance Zero Emissions campaign. In addition, the Ports Advisory Board will collaborate with advisory board members on funding opportunities and activities aligned with ensuring a healthy environment for workers and community members.
Electrification and Zero Emissions are key Goals for PANYNJ's Roadmap as well.
A lively discussion focused on reducing ship pollution to zero emissions, Shore Power and setting a target for Green Shipping Corridors as solutions to ensure cleaner air at the Port and South Ward community.
Pacific Environment is an environmental organization based out of California founded in 1987. Its objectives are to protect the living environment of the Pacific Rim. Pacific Environment works specifically on shipping and port decarbonization. With ships being responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pacific Environment works at every level of government, city, state, federal, regional, international organizations and at the maritime organization on the transition of shipping to zero emissions.
The City of Newark representatives will assist with aligning legislative priorities to ensure a healthier environment for port workers and residents.In addition, the longshoreman working on the frontline of the goods and freight movement will provide guidance and recommendations based on their work experiences.
The Ports Advisory Board meetings are held every 2 months to Collaborate and continue to work together for solutions.
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Ports Advisory Board Member Highlights: | |
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Tanja Grzeskowitz
Senior Program Manager, Port Sustainability & Resilience Port Department
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Tanja Grzeskowitz is the Senior Program Manager, Port Sustainability & Resilience, with the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In her role, she advances environmental strategies, policy and technological implementations in alignment with the agency’s Environmental Sustainability Policy and in support of the agency’s GHG reduction targets. Ms. Grzeskowitz holds a B.A. from Columbia University and J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
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Dawny'all Heydari
Dawny’all Heydari serves as Climate Campaign Manager, Advocacy at Pacific Environment, supporting the organization's strategic advocacy efforts and community power building for all climate campaigns, including Ports for People and Ship it Zero. On the Ship It Zero corporate pressure campaign, Dawny'all accelerated the global shipping industry’s decarbonization, causing Target, Amazon, and IKEA to commit to abandon dirty ships by 2040 and reject LNG; shipping giant Maersk to accelerate its climate ambitions by a decade and the global shipping industry to make billions in investment in over 100 low-emission ships; and Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Minneapolis to unanimously pass city council resolutions calling on importers to commit to 100% zero-emission shipping by 2030. On the Ports for People policy advocacy campaign, Dawny'all led a student canvassing campaign that knocked on 5,000 doors in Long Beach and caused the Port of Long Beach to abandon plans for an LNG facility. She also organized mediagenic rallies statewide in California that caused the United States Environmental Protection Agency to approve California's expanded "at-berth" rule for ocean-going vessels, which will result in a 55% reduction in cancer risk near the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Richmond through increased use of shore-power. Dawny'all is based in the Los Angeles/Long Beach, California area.
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Senior Advisory Board Meeting | |
The new year always seems to bring a period of reflection and projection for self and organizational betterment. It is that time where assessments are made to determine what progress has been made and where improvements can be adjusted to enhance the goals we wish to achieve in life. The SWEA Senior Advisory Board convened on Friday, January 12, 2024 to discuss ways to engage the senior community in efforts to be advocates for healthier communities. Although each member agreed with the successes of last year’s program efforts, it was a consensus that more work was needed in this area to educate and engage our community. Ms. Evelyn Williams, an advisory board member, led the charge and shared her mantra for “More in 2024” that was endorsed by the other board members.
Kim Gaddy, Founder and Executive Director shared the 2024 priorities of the organization with the board and reiterated the need to educate the community about federal funding from the EPA that is budgeted for the EJ communities. At the conclusion of the meeting there was a champagne toast to cheer for future success and to a healthier South Ward Community!
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SWEA Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) Advisory Board Member Highlight:
Nadirah Brown
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This month, the South Ward Environmental Alliance would like to recognize Nadirah Brown as a member of the Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Board. Ms. Brown has deep ties to the South Ward community, bringing education and professional experience to her role as a senior community service worker. She takes pride in positively impacting individual community members and is dedicated to helping those around her.
Passionate about environmental issues, particularly air quality, Brown aims to change mindsets and promote necessary changes in her community. She is disappointed by the complacency she sees and emphasizes the importance of holding decision-makers accountable.
As a Newark native, Brown is concerned about residents being forced out of the city and stresses the need for collaboration and clear communication among organizations. She got involved with the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) to advocate for cleaner air, drawing from her personal experience as a mother to an asthmatic child.
As an AQM board member, Brown serves as a voice for the community, actively sharing information and raising awareness. The South Ward Environmental Alliance is honored to have her as an addition to the air quality monitoring board. Her dedication to empowering the community through advocacy and information is commendable, showcasing how individuals can make a difference and bring about positive change.
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On January 20, 2024, SWEA's Youth Council organized a fun event called the Youth Movie Night for kids in Newark. It was a huge success, leaving a lasting impression on both the young attendees and their parents. Lots of excited kids showed up for the Youth Movie Night, ready to have a great time. They watched "The Lorax," a popular movie based on a Dr. Seuss story, which taught them about the dangerous effects of deforestation and air pollution.
To make the night even better, SWEA provided free popcorn, juice, and pizza for everyone. The delicious treats made the event even more enjoyable and made the kids feel special. After the movie, the kids had a thoughtful discussion about the connection between air pollution and their community in Newark. They shared their favorite things about their neighborhood and talked about how they could help make it healthier.
To recognize the kids' efforts, SWEA gave them Environmental Justice Champion Certificates. This showed how much they cared about the cause and encouraged them to keep making a difference. The success of the Youth Movie Night has inspired SWEA's Youth Council to plan more events that bring kids together and help the environment. They're dedicated to teaching the next generation about taking care of the Earth. By organizing events like this, SWEA Youth Council is making progress towards a better world, one child at a time.
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NYCP All Schools Conference | |
On January 8th, 2024, SWEA received an invitation to the Newark Youth Career Pathways All Schools Conference. The event attracted students from various schools in Newark, including University High School and Eagle Academy.
Representing SWEA were Asada Rashidi, the Environmental Justice Organizer, and Fajr Kegler, the Youth Organizer. Their attendance showcased SWEA's commitment to environmental awareness and provided guidance to Newark's aspiring youth.
The conference had a great turnout, with students from six different high schools engaging with mentors from different professions. Fajr Kegler made a significant impact on the education career panel.
The conference exposed students to diverse professions and career paths, expanding their horizons and sparking ambition. SWEA played a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and dreams of these students, leaving a lasting impact on their personal and professional growth.
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On January 9th, Asada Rashidi, a representative of the South Ward Environmental Alliance, joined fellow members of the MFN (Moving Forward Network) to engage in a crucial discussion at The White House. Their focus centered on pressing environmental justice priorities, specifically targeting zero emissions solutions. The Administration has an opportunity to address the urgent climate and public health crisis stemming from freight pollution. As Asada highlighted the Newark Community's struggles with disproportionate environmental burdens, the visit served as a powerful call for a clear commitment and pathway towards achieving zero emissions. The hashtag #ZeroMustMeanZero encapsulates the shared determination to bring about meaningful change in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier future for all.
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Teaming up with the South Ward Wellness Center, the South Ward Environmental Alliance recently hosted a workshop on January 24th titled "Protecting Our Families from Toxic Air and Toxic Cleaning Products." Presenters, Kim Gaddy, the Executive Director of South Ward Environmental Alliance, and Asada Rashidi, the Environmental Justice Organizer, delved into the critical link between air quality and overall health. From shedding light on potential dangers in indoor air to unveiling the impact of poor ventilation and harmful chemicals on well-being, the workshop provided a comprehensive understanding. Special attention was given to the harmful effects of toxic cleaning products, particularly concerning the health of young children. The audience showered the presentation with great appreciation and commendation, highlighting the relevance of the topic. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the South Ward Wellness Center for providing us with the platform to connect with the community, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborations for a healthier, safer environment. | |
On January 25th, the South Ward Environmental Alliance, led by Executive Director Kim Gaddy and Environmental Justice Organizer Asada Rashidi, hosted an enlightening MFN (Moving Forward Network) Skillshare Webinar titled "Actively Participate in Zoning and Planning Meetings." The focus was on empowering residents to dive headfirst into the crucial realm of zoning and planning meetings in their communities.
By shedding light on the why and how, we aimed to ignite a spark, urging residents to play an active role in these decision-making forums. Using Newark as a case study, we underscored the potential detrimental impact of zoning changes, showcasing how new developments like warehouses exacerbate pollution and contribute to environmental degradation, ultimately compromising residents' quality of life. The webinar resonated strongly with attendees, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in decision-making processes. We're excited about the potential for future presentations and collaborations to drive positive change
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SWPN Community Coat Giveaway | |
South Ward families were treated to a phenomenal day of generosity by a partnership between the South Ward Promise Neighborhood and Macy’s in their Wrapped in Warmth Coat Pop Up Shop on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Kipp Seek Academy. This event brought out many other volunteers from other partnering community organizations and agencies. The gymnasium was converted into a beautiful Macy’s showroom floor with each family being assigned their own private personal shopper for that event. Families were greeted with a wonderful live DJ, snacks and beverages and community love demonstrated from all in attendance to include city councilmen, police precinct captain and his community police officers and other countless volunteers. There were plenty of coats, smiles and excitement on that day and over 900 free coats were distributed to families in the South Ward.
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