Yesterday we partnered with a coalition of other local organizations to brief New York City candidates on climate issues impacting our communities as well as solutions they can work with us to implement if elected. We had representatives from 49 candidates attend, including those running for Mayor, Borough President, Comptroller, and City Council. Peggy Shepard was among the speakers, and our Climate Justice Working Group put together a fantastic video timeline of the history of environmental justice in New York City (see below). Watch the Briefing
Watch the Video Timeline of Environmental Justice in NYC
For yesterday’s climate briefing for the 2021 New York City candidates (see above), our Climate Justice Working Group put together a video timeline of the history of environmental justice in New York City. It’s well-worth a watch for anyone interested in environmental justice, and given that you are reading this sentence, it’s safe to assume that you fall into that category. Watch the Video
Celebrating Black History Month
The past 12 months have been a challenge for all of us. That is why we chose to celebrate Black History Month by uplifting leaders who have inspired us during these difficult times. Each week we featured a different individual or group of individuals on our social media channels:
Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, & Opal Tometi founded the Black Lives Matter movement, which has been instrumental in elevating and advancing the discussion systemic racism.
The Majority Whip in the U.S House of Representatives and a Democrat representing South Carolina's 6th District, Congressman James E. Clyburn’s leadership proved to be a powerful force in helping elect President Joe Biden.
The leadership of Georgia politician, lawyer, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams helped transform the political landscape of Georgia and the United States Senate.
And last, but certainly not least, our very own Cecil Corbin-Mark. His passing made a challenging year even worse. But his memory serves as an inspiration, and his legacy lives on, from the moment of silence held in his honor during the rally to pass the Renewable Rikers Act to today’s resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives (check your inbox tomorrow for that). We encourage you to help carry on his work by supporting the Cecil Corbin-Mark Environmental Justice Professional Development Fellowship Fund, which will be creating opportunities for future environmental justice leaders.
If you don’t follow us on social media, it’s time to remedy that: Facebook @weactforej; Twitter & Instagram: @weact4ej
Peggy Shepard was profiled in Gizmodo’s Earther. It’s an entertaining and informative read, chronicling her history – and WE ACT’s – as well as assessing the growing interest in environmental justice.
Dana Johnson was interviewed by Green 2.0, for the organization’s blog. Get to know our Director of the Federal Policy Office and why she became a board member of Green 2.0.
Sonal Jessel voiced concern in NY Focus about Part R, a provision in the Governor’s proposed budget that would allow building owners to avoid making the upgrades necessary to reduce emissions as mandated by New York City’s Local Law 97. Not only would this completely undermine the city’s efforts to address the climate crisis, but it would also rob us of the jobs that these measures would create.
If you are familiar with the bird murals in West Harlem and the gentrification we’re seeing around the neighborhood, then you will enjoy this Orion Magazine article about Harlem’s “endangered species.”
Albany Advocacy Day: Raise Your Voice for Environmental Health & Justice
Tuesday, March 2
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET
Join us and the JustGreen Partnership on March 2 for a day-long virtual advocacy day with New York State decisionmakers and raise your voice for environmental health and justice! We will be arranging online meetings throughout the day focusing on toxics in personal care products as well as mattresses and electronics. We’ll also address lead in school drinking water and how to reduce packaging. And we’ll provide training beforehand! Learn More & Register Here
March Membership Meeting: Manhattan Borough President Candidates Forum
Saturday, March 13
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Join us for our March Membership Meeting and get to know the candidates running for Manhattan Borough President. We’ve invited all of them to come and tell us why they are the best candidate and how they will tackle environmental racism in our community. We’ll also announce the winners of our Membership Planning Committee election. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM ET on Saturday, March 13 and will include a candidate Q&A session with our members. RSVP Today
Come Help Us Reimagine
NYC's Cooling Centers
Tuesday, March 16
5:30 - 7:30 PM ET
Tuesday, March 23
5:30 - 7:30 PM ET
Want to help people stay cool this summer? We are putting together a series of workshops for heat-vulnerable residents of Northern Manhattan to better understand your needs and interests. If you are 45 and older and are a person of color, live in NYCHA, have a respiratory illness, or work outdoors, then we would love to have you join us. Register Here
Join Our Earth Day 5K Fundraiser: Take Advantage of Early Bird Pricing!
Earth Day is around the corner, and we invite you to enjoy and defend the environment through our annual Earth Day 5K fundraiser. It will be a virtual race again, so you will have an opportunity to safely walk or run the 5K from April 17-25.
