Event Date: August 27, 2020
Toward Racial Justice Series Continues with an Exploration of Environmental Justice
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Staff
WITF’s series of virtual community conversations hosted by Charles Ellison addressing systemic racism and injustice in Central Pennsylvania and beyond continues Thursday, August 27 at 7pm.
Join us as we examine environmental justice. A report from the Environmental Protection Agency finds that people of color are much more likely to live near polluters and breathe polluted air – even as the agency seeks to roll back regulations on pollution.
We’ll examine why it is important that everyone, regardless of race, has equal access the knowledge and decision-making process to have a healthy environment to live, learn and work.
Panelists include:
- State Representative Chris Rabb — (D-Philadelphia)
- Darral Addison — Founder & CEO of Torpedo Pot
- Dr. Reginald Archer — Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University
- Brandi Colander — Principal, The Raben Group and former Obama administration deputy general counsel, White House Council on Environmental Quality
- Tommy Joshua — Environmental Activist & Founder of North Philly’s Peace Park
- Megan Ruoro — Yale Student & 2020 Graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School
What is environmental justice? Here’s a brief explainer from StateImpact Pennsylvania:
For an in-depth history of the grassroots struggle to stop the clustering of commercial waste facilities in Chester, PA–a predominately poor African American community–watch the Emmy nominated WITF original documentary Justice in Chester. The film examines the Environmental Justice movement through the lens of Chester residents and highlights the power of grassroots efforts to affect positive change.
Share your personal experiences or ask questions that we can address during this conversation. Email us at discuss@witf.org or share your story using #RacialJusticePA.
Our goal is to to elevate underrepresented voices with special emphasis on giving young people a platform to discuss their views. Race and racism are uncomfortable topics. Our objective is to help serve as a catalyst for change by bringing people together to discuss possible solutions and inspire collective action.
The committee of co-organizers include:
- Major Kristal M. Turner-Childs — Director, Bureau of Forensic Services, Pennsylvania State Police & WITF Board Member
- Mark Rhodes — Diversity Educator and Strategist, Owner of Key Learning Consultants and a Commissioner with the City of York Human Relations Commission
- Jankail Adams — Parent Liaison for the PA State GEAR UP-3 program, Harrisburg School District
- Sharia Benn — President & Executive Artistic Director of Sankofa African American Theatre Company
- Corey Dupree — Chief Operating Officer at The Bridge: Eco Village in Harrisburg
Join us Thursday September 10 from 7:00 to 8:30pm as we continue the Toward Racial Justice series with an in-depth look at Race & Juvenile Justice.
The entire series will be live streamed and recorded so those unable to attend can watch, listen and share. Visit witf.org/racialjustice to watch past conversations and find additional resources.
