Contact: Sasha Tenenbaum, (917) 887-0146, stenenbaum@momscleanairforce.org
In honor of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States (June 19, 1865), the Community Rx initiative of Moms Clean Air Force is convening its annual virtual roundtable to address equity, justice, and climate in the Black community. See details below.
In advance of this discussion, Dr. Tonya Howard Calhoun, National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force, issued the following statement:
“Juneteenth is a joyous commemoration. It is also a stark reminder that the fight for equality and justice advances too slowly for Black Americans. As our nation reflects on the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa massacre, we must eradicate systemic racism in all its forms—including environmental injustice. Air pollution and climate change impact Black communities first and worst. This Juneteenth, let’s recommit to liberating our communities and to protecting our families and our health.”
ADVISORY
WHAT: A Juneteenth Conversation titled “Acknowledging Our History and Recasting Our Future,” co-organized by Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter, and Georgia Interfaith Power & Light.
WHY: This conversation will shed light on the intersectionality of equity, justice, and climate in the Black community with a special emphasis on the history of the destruction of the Greenwood Community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 100 years ago, the need to include brown and Black people in environmental policymaking decisions, and the Black maternal health crisis.
WHEN: Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 6PM ET, with a re-broadcast on Saturday, June 19, at 5:30PM ET. More information can be found here.
WHERE: This event will be broadcast on Moms Clean Air Force’s Facebook page.
WHO:
Dr. Tonya Howard Calhoun (moderator)—National Field Manager, Moms Clean Air Force, Atlanta, Georgia
Almeta E. Cooper—Georgia Field Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force, Atlanta, Georgia
Heather McTeer Toney—Climate Justice Liaison, Environmental Defense Fund, and Senior Advisor, Moms Clean Air Force, Oxford, Mississippi
Hermina Glass-Hill, MHP—Coastal Engagement Associate at Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Midway, Georgia
Kelle Pressley—Full Spectrum Doula Trainer, Charlotte, North Carolina
To learn more about the significance of Juneteenth from a social justice and environmental justice perspective, please contact the above-listed media contact to arrange an interview with Dr. Tonya Howard Calhoun.
Moms Clean Air Force is committed to addressing environmental injustice. Our Community Rx initiative works with African American communities to take a stand against environmental discrimination, hold legislators accountable for lack of resources, and advocate with communities on their rights and their issues. By standing with impacted communities, we are fighting for clean air and climate solutions to promote healthy children and healthy communities.