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Black Women Environmental Justice Activists to Share Firsthand Experiences Fighting Back Against Petrochemical Projects During ESSENCE Fest Weekend

On Saturday, July 1, New Orleans will celebrate Black female environmental activists’ work across Louisiana + learn solutions to combat toxic fossil fuel and plastics industries as part of a storytelling event

NEW ORLEANS — Local and national environmental justice advocacy organizations will host an ESSENCE Festival pop-up storytelling event featuring five Black female environmental justice activists leading the way to oppose new fossil fuel projects that threaten their Louisiana communities’ health and livelihoods.

The event is presented in partnership by organizations including People over Plastic, Earthjustice, 350.org, Black Girl Environmentalist and the Patois Collective. ***To reserve a spot, please email chloe@redcypressconsulting.com***

What: Story Salon: Cancer Alley Rises Up – Honoring Black Women Forging the Path Forward in the Fight for Environmental Justice (an ESSENCE Festival Pop-Up)

When: Saturday, July 1st from 5 pm – 7:30 pm CST

Where: The Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center (3rd Floor), located at 900 Camp St, New Orleans, LA

Who:

Speakers and storytellers:

  • Dr. Beverly Wright, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice and Member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council
  • Wawa Gatheru, Founder of Black Girl Environmentalist
  • Roishetta Sibley Ozane, Founder of The Vessel Project of Louisiana
  • Shamyra Lavigne, Executive assistant at Rise St. James,
  • Jo Banner, Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Descendants Project
  • Dr. Joy Banner, Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Descendants Project

How: To reserve a spot, email chloe@redcypressconsulting.com as seats are limited

Black, Indigenous, and people of color in America are more likely to live in polluted areas than their white counterparts. This long-term exposure to pollution increases their chances of developing respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer. Louisiana communities (including Cancer Alley) containing industrial plants and high percentages of Black residents experienced seven to 21 times more toxic air emissions than similar locations with more white residents. These parishes are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as having the highest risk of cancer in the nation due to air emissions.

Attendees can listen to, learn from, and be inspired by storytellers’ stories of bravery, tenacity, justice, family and community that span generations. Speakers will be joined by New Orleans-based artists, musical performers and poets.

Cancer Alley Rises Up – Honoring Black Women Forging the Path Forward in the Fight for Environmental Justice is an event based on the People over Plastics storyteller series.

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