Winnie Okello talks environmental and social justice.

• Marquis Lupton
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  Marquis Lupton is an On-Air Host/Producer for WITF. A graduate of Shippensburg University (undergrad), and graduate of Morgan State University (graduate), Lupton is happy to bring his unique delivery and background back to Central Pennsylvania. Previously, Marquis worked as a board operator and Club DJ for FM97 WLAN, and later decided to switch gears to pursue television. Switching from radio, Marquis got his start in television working for CNN as a control board operator for the Situation Room and later as an assistant field producer for CNN’s Pentagon Unit. Post-CNN, Lupton decided to get in front of the camera, and became a reporter/anchor making stops at CBS 21, WMDT ABC 47, and NBC 40 in Atlantic City. With a journalism career spanning over a decade, Lupton has had the opportunity to interview people like Sen. Corey Booker, former Gov. Chris Christie, Shaq, Oprah Winfrey, and a lengthy list of Senators, city council members, and State representatives. Marquis also ran a digital media company for 5 years, called TCP Media Group, which was a media company aimed at giving marginalized groups in Pennsylvania a voice. Marquis returned to radio in 2022, and is excited to be back “home” with radio.
  
  Marquis is also a native of Lancaster, and a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School.

Aired; November 15th, 2023.

Winnie Okello is a dedicated advocate for environmental justice, a principle rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to a clean, safe, and healthy environment. This philosophy asserts that the right to environmental well-being should be universal and not contingent upon factors such as race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. At the core of environmental justice is the commitment to rectify historical and systemic injustices that have disproportionately burdened marginalized communities with environmental hazards.
One specific facet of this pervasive issue is environmental racism, an area where Winnie Okello has been actively involved. Environmental racism highlights the stark disparities in exposure to environmental risks faced by communities of color in comparison to predominantly white communities. This inequality manifests through a higher concentration of polluting industries, hazardous waste sites, and environmental threats in neighborhoods inhabited by people of color. These disparities are not random but are rooted in longstanding policies and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination.
Addressing environmental justice and racism demands proactive efforts to dismantle entrenched inequities. Winnie Okello has been a proponent of empowering affected communities by raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. Her work underscores the importance of ensuring that the benefits of a healthier environment are shared equitably among all citizens.
The discriminatory allocation of environmental harms not only poses immediate health risks but also exacerbates broader social and economic inequalities. Winnie Okello recognizes that achieving environmental justice requires a multifaceted approach that engages communities, challenges discriminatory policies, and promotes sustainable practices. By championing these efforts, she contributes to a crucial step forward in creating a more just and sustainable future for everyone, regardless of their background or where they live. Winnie Okello’s commitment to environmental justice is a beacon for positive change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social justice, environmental well-being, and the collective pursuit of a fair and equitable society.