Give testimony at the City Council Oversight Hearing on Air Quality in NYCHA Apartments on Tuesday, February 28, at 1 pm at New York City Hall. Let the New York City Council know what air quality is really like in NYCHA buildings. Testify about the conditions in your NYCHA apartment, including gas stoves, mold, pests, smoke, or anything else that affects air quality.
Join us for our March Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 11 from 10 am - 12 pm in-person at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, located at 454 West 155th Street (between St Nicholas & Amsterdam Avenues). We'll be discussing who's on the ballot for the upcoming City Council primaries. We'll also be joined by the Sanitation Department to discuss the exciting new composting program that the city is rolling out.
Join the JustGreen Partnership Advocacy Day!
Join WE ACT and the JustGreen Partnership on February 28 from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm for a hybrid advocacy day, either virtual or in-person, at the New York State Capitol.
We'll be meeting with lawmakers at the New York State Capitol to advocate for the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Act, a statewide bill to remove toxic chemicals from some personal care products, and require ingredient disclosures for others. We are up against a powerful chemical and beauty industry that wants to stop the bill. If this is your first advocacy day, don't worry! We'll also be offering on-demand training before and during the event.
We're pleased to report that retailer REI has committed to banning PFAS from all apparel and cookware it sells! This great news follows our support for Toxic-Free Future's campaign to convince the national outdoor retailer to take this action, including protesting at its store here in New York City. The company also noted the recent legislation we helped pass prohibiting PFAS in apparel sold in New York State, as well as a similar law in California, in its decision. And we are hoping that this major retailer's decision to purge PFAS from its shelves will have a ripple effect on other manufacturers and retailers, further reducing this source of exposure to these "forever" chemicals.
Become a Cecil Corbin-Mark Fellow
Applications to become a 2023 Cecil Corbin-Mark Fellow at WE ACT will go live on Wednesday, March 1! The annual Fellowship is designed to shape the next generation of environmental and climate justice leaders.
Beau Morton wrote a blog post for the Washington Center for Equitable Growth highlighting the findings of our adult survey on hair relaxers and skin lighteners in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx - and reflected on their own journey to beauty justice.
Join the Next NYCHA Working Group Meeting
Join the NYCHA Working Group for their next meeting on Tuesday, February 28 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. The NYCHA Working Group builds community power and educates members around NYCHA issues by discussing key topics, having conversations with informed speakers and advocating for solutions that will better NYCHA communities.
Join us on March 2 at 1 pm for a presentation followed by a fireside chat and Q&A session with Dr. Henry McKoy, the founding Director of the Department Of Energy’s (DOE) Office of State and Community Energy Programs, as we unpack how his office is aiming to achieve a clean energy future for all. This is a new office within DOE and has received significant funding through the Inflation Reduction Act that your community may be eligible for.
Get Your Early Bird Tickets for WE ACT's Earth Day 5K While They Last!
Early bird tickets are now on sale until March 7th for our annual Earth Day 5K on Randall's Island. Register today using the promo code "earlybird".
This Earth Day, help raise funds for our work and get to know WE ACT staff by running or walking for environmental justice on April 15 - all proceeds from the event will support WE ACT! And if you can’t join us, please consider making a donation to support our work.
Anastasia Gordon testified at the EPA's Proposed Rule for the Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter virtual public hearing, calling for stricter standards for PM2.5, which is also known as soot. It is the deadliest of particle pollutants because its small size allows it to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing adverse health impacts. You can catch her testimony at the 4:59:00 mark in this video replay.
Rising Utility Bills: In a Capital B article on the impacts of rising utility costs on communities of color, Anastasia Gordon raised concern about the increased gas production in communities of color, especially those along the Gulf Coast, as the pollution from these facilities will have adverse health impacts on residents for generations to come.
Beauty Inside Out Working Group Meeting
The Beauty Inside Out campaign needs your help! As part of a research project in partnership with Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the campaign is working with local organizations to educate our community members on the dangers of skin lightening creams, and we are looking for feedback on the education materials that we will be using. Dr. Lariah Edwards will be leading this working session on March 22nd at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there!
Black History Celebration with Gwen Black and Other Artists
WE ACT member Gwen Black will be among the featured artists at a Black History Month Celebration with the Arts and NYC Jazzfest Band.Gwen will perform poetry and book readings alongside musical performances by Soul Guard Band. The event will be Monday, February 27 at 4 pm at St. Agnes Library at 444 Amsterdam Avenue.
