Black History Month offers time to reflect on the many contributions, triumphs, and struggles of Black people throughout history. The fight for environmental justice is a critical aspect of the broader movement for civil rights and equality. For decades, Black communities have been on the front lines of environmental injustice, facing a disproportionate share of hazards from toxic waste facilities, polluted air, and contaminated water.
Consider the region known as “Cancer Alley,” an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Forty percent of the population living in this area is Black, compared to the national average of 12 percent. It’s infamous for its dense concentration of over 200 petrochemical plants and oil refineries, contributing to significantly elevated health risks for residents.
Recent legal decisions have curtailed EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases (and wetlands) in Cancer Alley, further complicating the struggle for environmental justice there. Still, the people within these communities hold demonstrations and attend hearings to champion their right for change. Throughout Black history, collective action and public advocacy have been pivotal in challenging injustices and sparking societal change. The courageous historical actions of communities and leaders have paved the way for progress and reform.
The demand for environmental justice in Cancer Alley and other places, like Flint, Michigan, and rural Lowndes County, Alabama, traces back to the Silent Protest Parade on July 28, 1917, organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The protest parade in response to violent riots happening in East St. Louis, Illinois, led by visionary leaders James Weldon Johnson and W.E.B. Dubois, united 10,000 Black Americans in the condemnation of racist violence and racial discrimination.
This month, as we delve into the many layers of Black history, we are reminded of the profound significance of such acts. They stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Black community in the face of systemic racism and violence. They remind us of the need to acknowledge and learn from our history, however dark, and to ensure it isn’t obscured under the pretense of ignorance.
Black history isn’t one-dimensional, and it’s impossible to capture via a snapshot in time. It’s woven through the fabric of our nation, in the stories of individuals who have fought tirelessly for equality and the rights we hold dear. It’s in the eloquence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the courage of Rosa Parks. The resilience of Harriet Tubman and the brilliance of Katherine Johnson. The mark they have had on the history of the United States is indelible, and each story contributed to the rich mosaic that is Black history.
The importance of Black History Month extends far beyond the shores of Africa and the cities and countryside of America. It acknowledges the profound impact of the Global African Diaspora, a testament to the resilience, culture, and contributions of the Black community around the world.
It’s a time to remember those whose lives became a sounding cry, like George Floyd, whose tragic death in 2020 ignited a global movement for justice, highlighting systemic issues that extend across the U.S. And to reflect on events like Freedom Summer in 1964, when activists were met with violence as they worked to register as many Black voters as possible, dispelling myths still held today that the Black community isn’t interested in voting.
It’s also a time to honor the legacy of Hazel M. Johnson, known as the “mother of environmental justice,” whose work highlighted the disproportionate effects of air, water, and soil pollution on Black communities in Chicago and beyond, and linked the fight for civil rights with environmental justice.
Black history reveals the efforts and struggles that the Black community has endured and the barriers they have overcome to achieve equality. Unfortunately, significant moments in Black history still remain obscured or buried, leaving lingering effects on communities that continue to feel the impact. Massacres committed against Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919 and Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921, for instance, have only recently gained national attention.
As we celebrate the contributions of everyday citizens who may have been overlooked in some history books, but who were instrumental in paving the way for future generations, we also embrace the power of education as a tool for change. Through education, we can dismantle the myths and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and bias. Schools, universities, and communities play a crucial role, offering platforms for dialogue, learning, and growth. The teaching of all history must transcend isolated groups, becoming a universal narrative that spans different educational levels, cultural backgrounds, and political perspectives. By incorporating Black history into curriculums and discussions year-round, we can ensure that the next generation is better equipped to build a society grounded in equality and justice.
Engaging with the stories of the past inspires action in the present that contributes to a world where everyone is valued and heard. As a society joined together under the banner of a united nation, righteous in its endeavor of justice for all, it’s our collective responsibility to understand and confront our past.
Black History Month is more than a period of commemoration. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to question, to learn, and to grow. It compels us to build a future where the ideals of justice, including environmental justice, equity, and respect for all are not just aspirations but realities. Let us carry forward the legacy of those who have come before us, honoring their contributions by continuing the fight for a just and equitable society.
TELL PRESIDENT BIDEN & EPA: MOVE QUICKLY TO FINALIZE STRONG POLLUTION PROTECTIONS