Contact: Mollie Michel, (267) 981.1648, mmichel@momscleanairforce.org
WHAT:
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 a timely conversation to address equity, justice, and climate in the African American community.
As the country is facing a reckoning over racism and police brutality while also confronting a global pandemic, how we make good on the promise of the Black Lives Matter movement has taken on new public urgency. This moderated panel discussion will dig deep into how air pollution, climate change, and COVID-19 disproportionately impact the African American community and what should be done to address these deep and systemic issues. There will also be time for a probing conversation on how our country’s radical environmental deregulatory agenda—as evidenced with more than 100 rollbacks finalized or in process from the Environmental Protection Agency—is a racist agenda.
As part of a Juneteenth commemoration, panel participants will take a pledge to protect African American communities from pollution.
Please note that all below-listed participants are available to speak to the media upon request. Please contact the aforementioned media contact to arrange a media interview.
WHEN:
Friday, June 19, 2020 (Juneteenth) from 11AM to 1PM ET. Find a detailed schedule for the event here.
WHERE:
Register to watch this moderated panel via Bluejeans or watch live on the Moms Clean Air Force Facebook page.
WHO (listed in speaking order):
- Representative Alma Adams, United States Congresswoman for the 12th District of North Carolina
- Dr. Mildred McClain, Co-founder and Executive Director of the Harambee House / Citizens for Environmental Justice
- Rev. Michael Malcom, Executive Director of The People’s Justice Council
- Tina Spencer-Smith, Administration Minister at Zion Hill Baptist Church and Advisory Council Member at Georgia Interfaith Power & Light
- Representative Bobby Rush, United States Congressman for the 1st District of Illinois
- Catherine Flowers, Texas Field Organizer at Moms Clean Air Force
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.