Oct 13, 2023 | Community Engagement News, DSCEJ General News, HBCU Climate Change Conference News, Student Engagement News
Oct 13, 2023
Community Forum Kicks Off Four-Day Event Bringing HBCU Students, Professors, Advocates, Policy Leaders to New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – This week, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) and Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice kicked off its ninth annual HBCU Climate Change in New Orleans, LA by hosting the “It’s About Justice” community forum. The solution-oriented dialogue centered around the urgency of addressing environmental injustices. A keynote speech by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on criminal, racial, and environmental justice followed the Forum. The event wrapped up with a reception and book signing session, during which Keith Ellison autographed his book “Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence,” Heather McTeer Toney, Executive Director of the Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign, signed copies of her book “Before the Street Lights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions,” and Dr. Robert Bullard and Dr. Beverly Wright added their signatures to their collaborative work, “The Wrong Complexion for Protection: How the Government Response to Disaster Endangers African American Communities.”
This year’s conference theme is Looking Back to Move Forward: Building a Climate Resilient Future for Vulnerable Communities. Attendees will address issues related to climate justice and resilience, like transportation, energy sources, carbon emissions, green jobs, the creation of a green economy, and community economic development.
“The HBCU Climate Change Conference has been a major focus of our work for the last decade as we seek to train and influence the next generation of environmental justice leaders. We belive that HBCUs are the frontline for innovative thinking to solve the greatest crisis of our time,” said Dr. Beverly Wright, founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. “This is an opportunity to bring together Black faculty, students, policy experts and researchers together to bridge the gap between actionable solutions and theory to provide solutions that will have a tangible impact on our communities.”
“It was a magic moment to share the book signing stage with some fantastic authors who not only research, meticulously document and write books about the struggle of Black people, but more important were the change agents themselves in frontline communities quest for environmental, climate, economic, racial justice in policing,” said Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University and Co-Chair of the HBCU Climate Change Consortium. “And like our HBCU Conference, its all about justice.”
“Climate justice must be seen as part of, and not distinct from, racial justice,” said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. “The impacts of climate change won’t be felt evenly – Black, brown, and Indigenous communities will be hurt first and worst. We have to be our own salvation, and use the tools at our disposal to move us forward.”
Other notable speakers scheduled throughout the conference include Chair Brenda Mallory of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson, Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the HipHop Caucus, Dr. Mithika Mwenda of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, and Dr. Calvin Mackie of STEM NOLA among other scholars, students, advocates, and experts.
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About the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Families in the Gulf Coast deserve to live in communities that are free from deadly air and are more resilient to climate change and extreme weather. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) works to empower and engage communities to put environmental justice and equity at the center of all climate action. Led by environmental justice scholar and advocate, author, civic leader, and professor of Sociology Dr. Beverly L. Wright, the DSCEJ uses research, education, and community and student engagement to advocate for policy change, lead health and safety training for environmental careers, develop social and emotional community wellness programs, and create new and environmentally healthy opportunities for the residents of communities disproportionately impacted by historic environmental injustice.
About Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University addresses longstanding issues of systemic inequality and structural racism that cause disproportionate pain, suffering and death in Black and other people of color communities. The Center is directed by environmental justice scholar Dr. Robert D. Bullard and is housed in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. It strives to be a leading force for transformative environmental, climate and racial justice using rigorous science, community-driven research, policy, civic engagement programming, and effective advocacy.
Oct 4, 2023 | DSCEJ General News, HBCU Climate Change Conference News, Student Engagement News
Oct 4, 2023
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, leading environmental justice organizations, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) and Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, will kick off the ninth annual HBCU Climate Change in New Orleans, LA. This year’s conference theme is Looking Back to Move Forward: Building a Climate Resilient Future for Vulnerable Communities. The conference will bring together HBCU faculty and students, researchers, climate professionals, and environmental justice and coastal community residents impacted by toxic facilities and severe weather events.
Notable speakers include Dr. Beverly Wright, Dr. Robert Bullard, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Chair Brenda Mallory of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Dr. Mithika Mwenda of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson, Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the HipHop Caucus and Dr. Calvin Mackie of STEM NOLA among other scholars, students, advocates, and experts.
WHAT: Ninth Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference
WHO:
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Dr. Robert Bullard, Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
- Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
- Chair Brenda Mallory, White House Council on Environmental Quality
- Carly Phillips, Research Scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists
- Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance
- Rev. Lennox Yearwood, HipHop Caucus
- Dr. Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA
- Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson
- LaTricea Adams, Founder CEO & President of Black Millennials 4 Flint and the youngest African American woman appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC)
- HBCU students and faculties
- Environmental justice community leaders, activists, and policymakers
WHERE: JW Marriott
614 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 11 to Sunday, October 15.
If interested in covering a particular session, please reach out to DeepSouth@skdknick.com for additional details.
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About the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Families in the Gulf Coast deserve to live in communities that are free from deadly air and are more resilient to climate change and extreme weather. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) works to empower and engage communities to put environmental justice and equity at the center of all climate action. Led by environmental justice scholar and advocate, author, civic leader, and professor of Sociology Dr. Beverly L. Wright, the DSCEJ uses research, education, and community and student engagement to advocate for policy change, lead health and safety training for environmental careers, develop social and emotional community wellness programs, and create new and environmentally healthy opportunities for the residents of communities disproportionately impacted by historic environmental injustice.
Aug 23, 2023 | DSCEJ General News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2023
Contact: Ginger LeBlanc | media@dscej.org
“This is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Support Transformative Change and Accelerate a Just Transition to a Clean Economy”
New Orleans, LA – The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) welcomes new strategic partnerships with The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ). The Bullard Center, launched by the “father of environmental justice” Dr. Robert Bullard, and DSCEJ, led by Dr. Beverly Wright, an appointee of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council, have committed their support to CGC’s application to seek funding from the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and a growing coalition working to establish a national green bank.
This partnership underscores CGC’s network of green banks, clean energy lenders, and community partners’ ongoing dedication to exceeding the 40% EPA investment requirement and rapid deployment throughout all low-income and disadvantaged communities across the country. In line with EPA’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and CGC’s mission, The Bullard and DSCEJ will originate community projects throughout low-income and disadvantaged communities that the national green bank can support to address local issues and generate investments towards historically underfunded projects.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the nation’s leading environmental justice champions as we apply for the EPA’s remaining $20 Billion of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund,” said Reed Hundt, chairman of the board and CEO of CGC. “To confront the climate crisis and advance the Administration’s vision of transitioning to a clean economy, our approach must maximize investments in low-income and disadvantaged communities. These environmental justice leaders are confident in our network’s ability to make historic progress for and with communities that need it most.
“We are honored to have the Bullard Center and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice support both of our NCIF and CCIA applications to the EPA,” said Eli Hopson, executive director and COO of CGC. “This partnership will deepen our equitable impact in LIDCs and empower communities to actively participate in the transition.”
“We’ve decided to partner with the Coalition for Green Capital in its EPA proposal for funding a National Green Bank Network to deliver clean energy projects in low and moderate-income communities served by our HBCUs,” said Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University and Co-Chair of the HBCU Climate Change Consortium. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support transformative change and accelerate a just transition to a clean economy by providing billions of investment dollars to our institutions, businesses, community leaders, non-profits, and communities that too often get left out and left behind.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s historic commitment of federal investments in environmental justice solutions have the potential to transform and revitalize communities after decades of devastation from pollution and environmental racism,” said Dr. Beverly Wright, founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, whose organization was also recently awarded a $13M grant through a partnership between EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to house Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers. “The Justice40 Initiative delivers efficient and renewable energy, flood protection, workforce development, home weatherization, and other benefits to communities that have suffered for so long. We are excited to partner with the Coalition for Green Capital to expand these funding opportunities in collaboration with environmental justice communities across America.”
“Environmental justice must be a top priority as we seek to unlock billions and accelerate clean energy investments across the country,” said William J. Barber III, Director of Equitable Investments and Energy Justice at CGC. “Our partnership with the Bullard Center and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, possess both the scholarship and the trusted relationships in frontline communities to enable us to successfully engage and center their needs in the deployment of technologies, and make this transition one that is done by and with communities, not to them nor on their behalf.”
CGC has announced similar partnerships with Dream.Org’s Green For All; Michigan Saves; Colorado Clean Energy Fund; Missouri Green Bank; Puerto Rico Green Energy Trust; Finance New Orleans; the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA); CleanSource Capital; the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank; Columbus Region Green Fund (CRGF); Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF); the Climate Access Fund; Clean Energy Fund of Texas; Growth Opportunity Partners, Inc.; the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance (CDVCA); DC Green Bank, Connecticut Green Bank, the Inter-Tribal Trade Consortium (ITTC) and Enervee.
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ABOUT THE DEEP SOUTH CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice provides opportunities for communities, scientific researchers, and decision-makers to collaborate on projects that promote the rights of all people to be free from environmental harm as it impacts health, jobs, housing, education, and general quality of life. A major goal of the Center continues to be the development of leaders in communities of color along the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor and the broader Gulf Coast Region that are disproportionately harmed by pollution and vulnerable to climate change. For more information, visit https://dscej.org.
ABOUT THE BULLARD CENTER
The Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University was launched to address longstanding issues of systemic inequality and structural racism that cause disproportionate pain, suffering, and death in Black and other people of color communities faced with environmental and climate justice concerns. Texas Southern University is a student-centered comprehensive doctoral university committed to ensuring equality, offering innovative programs that are responsive to its urban setting, and transforming diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders in their local, national, and global communities. To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.bullardcenter.org.
ABOUT COALITION FOR GREEN CAPITAL
The Coalition for Green Capital (CGC), doing business as the American Green Bank Consortium, is a 501(c)(3) chartered specifically to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of air pollution and redress climate and energy-related environmental injustice. Green banks are a proven finance model that uses public and philanthropic funds to mobilize private investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other decarbonization technologies. For over a decade, the Coalition for Green Capital has led the Green Bank movement, working at the federal, state, and local levels in the U.S. and countries around the world. For more information, visit: https://coalitionforgreencapital.com.
Aug 14, 2023 | Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Justice40 News
August 14, 2023
Community Leaders to Meet with Senior Biden Administration Officials and Policymakers During Three-Day Event
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, leading environmental justice organizations, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) and Robert D Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, will kick off the Justice40 August convening in New Orleans, LA. The three-day convening brings together Justice40 hub leaders, activists, community leaders, and policymakers committed to advancing environmental justice and realizing the Biden Administration’s commitment to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.
Executive directors Dr. Beverly Wright and Dr. Robert Bullard have been working to collectively engage, enlighten, and empower communities that are directly affected by deadly pollution and severe weather events to successfully advocate for resources intended for them.
During the convening, White House Senior Advisor John Podesta and Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director of Environmental Justice at the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), will give keynote remarks throughout the convening. Additionally, representatives from federal agencies will speak with Hub leaders about their agencies’ role in implementing Justice40 equitably, including the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Health and Human Services, and Environmental Protection Agency.
WHAT: Justice40 August Convening for Community-Based Organizations
WHO:
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Dr. Robert Bullard, Robert D. Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
- John Podesta, White House Senior Advisor
- Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director of Environmental Justice at the White House Council on Environmental Quality
- Environmental justice community leaders, activists, and policymakers
WHERE:
JW Marriott
614 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130.
WHEN:
Wednesday, August 16 to Friday, August 18.The Justice40 initiative is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s whole-of-government approach to embedding environmental justice in the federal government’s operations. It sets a goal that disadvantaged communities receive 40 percent of the overall benefits of federal investments in the areas of climate change; clean energy and energy efficiency; clean transit; affordable and sustainable housing; training and workforce development; the remediation and reduction of legacy pollution; and the development of critical clean water infrastructure.
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About the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Families in the Gulf Coast deserve to live in communities that are free from deadly air and are more resilient to climate change and extreme weather. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) works to empower and engage communities to put environmental justice and equity at the center of all climate action. Led by environmental justice scholar and advocate, author, civic leader, and professor of Sociology Dr. Beverly L. Wright, the DSCEJ uses research, education, and community and student engagement to advocate for policy change, lead health and safety training for environmental careers, develop social and emotional community wellness programs, and create new and environmentally healthy opportunities for the residents of communities disproportionately impacted by historic environmental injustice.
About Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University addresses longstanding issues of systemic inequality and structural racism that cause disproportionate pain, suffering and death in Black and other people of color communities. The Center is directed by environmental justice scholar Dr. Robert D. Bullard and is housed in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. It strives to be a leading force for transformative environmental, climate and racial justice using rigorous science, community-driven research, policy, civic engagement programming, and effective advocacy.
Aug 14, 2023 | CIRC News, Community Engagement News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News
Aug 14, 2023
NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 14, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), members of Congress, and other elected officials celebrated a $13 million grant over five years to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ). The DSCEJ is among 16 entities selected nationally through a partnership between EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to house Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) and receive a total of $177 million in grant funding. The grants will help underserved and overburdened communities across the country access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for a variety of activities to advance environmental justice (EJ).
“Almost one year ago on September 24, 2022, Administrator Regan alongside EJ and civil rights leaders in Warren County, North Carolina – the site of protests 40 years ago that launched the EJ movement – announced the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice and Civil Rights,” said Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “Today, in partnership with Region 6 and in direct response to feedback from communities, EJ leaders and their partners, I would like to congratulate the DSCEJ for being one of just 16 entities selected nationwide to aid communities throughout the U.S.”
“The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice has accomplished so much since its inception—including building local community capacity to address environmental justice challenges and routinely assisting communities who lack access to federal funding. Their work raises awareness about frontline communities that deserve protection from disproportionate pollution and climate change,” said Region 6 Deputy Regional Administrator Stacey Dwyer. “This grant and the creation of this hub represent a step forward in realizing a dream for Gulf Coast Region families to thrive through clean air, water and energy. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Deep South Center for their innovative work in improving the lives of residents in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast.”
“We are thrilled to receive this grant and to be selected as one of only 16 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers in the country by the EPA and the Department of Energy,” said Dr. Beverly Wright, Executive Director of DSCEJ. “President Biden’s historic investments in environmental justice are a result of decades of advocacy by communities like ours in the Deep South and across the country. We are proud to be part of this effort, and look forward to helping break down these barriers to help our communities access the federal resources available to them so our children can grow up in an environment free from the dangers of pollution.”
“I’m fighting to ensure federal investments flow to underserved communities that will foster environmental justice in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. I proudly voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this funding a reality. As one of the sixteen esteemed organizations selected nationwide to host TCTACs, DSCEJ will be critical in advancing environmental justice and sustainable development. This will be more than just a center – it will be a beacon of hope, a catalyst for change, and a hub of expertise. This investment will facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives that empower our community to drive sustainability forward. By addressing environmental justice challenges, we are working towards a world where all Louisianans can flourish,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
“Underserved communities across Florida have long borne the brunt of environmental inequities and lacked the tools needed to overcome these challenges,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20). “Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, this expansive network of assistance centers will remain a fundamental resource and serve communities that are most in need of support.”
“As a strong advocate for environmental justice, I am pleased to see the EPA’s announcement of a significant $130 million grant to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. This funding under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda will undoubtedly play a crucial role in empowering communities across Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District to access historic resources aimed at addressing environmental disparities,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-2). “This investment reaffirms our commitment to addressing environmental injustices in our communities and ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities to live in healthy environments. I commend the EPA for their efforts and look forward to collaborating with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice to achieve a more equitable and sustainable future.”
DSCEJ will receive $13 million over five years to remove barriers and improve accessibility for communities with environmental justice concerns. Their goals include building organizational capacity of at least 250 Community-Based Organizations (CBO) in underserved communities in Regions 4 and 6 in areas such as research and community engagement; assist CBOs in applying for $50-100 million in grants over the five-year performance period; and scale up the reach and impact of their new Community Investment and Recovery Center to sustain capacity-building services for the long term.
EPA will deliver these resources in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, whose funding allows the EJ TCTACs to provide support for identifying community opportunities for clean energy transition and financing options, including public-private partnerships supporting clean energy demonstration, deployment, workforce development and outreach opportunities that advance energy justice objectives.
The formation of the EJ TCTACs is in direct response to feedback from communities and environmental justice leaders who have long called for technical assistance and capacity-building support for communities and their partners as they work to access critical federal resources. The 16 centers will provide comprehensive coverage for the entire United States through a network of over 160 partners, including community-based organizations, additional academic institutions, and Environmental Finance Centers so that more communities can access federal funding opportunities like those made available through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The EJ TCTAC program is part of the Federal Interagency Thriving Communities Network and delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. The new technical assistance centers will help ensure communities with environmental justice concerns can access President Biden’s historic investments in America to address generational disinvestment, legacy pollution, infrastructure challenges, and build a clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, strengthen our energy security, and meet our climate goals.
Learn more about the selectees, their partners and the EJ TCTAC program.
Learn more about environmental justice at EPA.
