Jan 29, 2026 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, Dr. Wright Blog, DSCEJ General News, Press Releases, Research and Policy News, Take Action Alert
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The New Orleans City Council’s decision to pass a one-year moratorium on data centers represents a small victory for New Orleans East and residential communities across the city. This action proves that when communities organize and speak truth to power, decision-makers must respond. DSCEJ commends the City Council for listening to residents and recognizing the serious threats data centers pose to community health, energy infrastructure, and environmental stability when sited too close to residential areas. This moratorium creates essential time to assess the full impact these facilities would have on our neighborhoods and establish appropriate nonresidential zoning.
However, a moratorium does not equate to a solution. Over the next year, DSCEJ will work alongside community members and continue to call on local leadership to ensure this temporary protection is solidified into permanent policy. We will monitor any attempts to weaken these protections and hold decision-makers accountable to the health and safety of the people they serve. Data centers consume extraordinary amounts of energy and water while generating heat and noise pollution, posing serious risks when sited near homes where families live, children play, and communities thrive. New Orleans East has long been treated as a sacrifice zone for industrial projects that benefit corporations while burdening Black residents with health risks and environmental harm. That pattern must end.
During this moratorium period, we call on city leadership to:
- Conduct comprehensive environmental and health impact assessments
- Engage in genuine community consultation, centering the voices of those most affected
- Develop zoning policies that prohibit industrial facilities in residential areas
- Prioritize investments that strengthen community infrastructure and economic opportunity without compromising health
“This moment belongs to the residents of New Orleans East who refused to accept yet another threat to their quality of life. And to everyone who spoke out, showed up, and demanded better we say: The work continues. We can’t rest until our communities are treated as precious assets to our city and our neighbors can rest peacefully and breathe easily knowing they are protected from environmental harm.” — Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director
About DSCEJ
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), founded in 1992, is the nation’s longest-serving environmental justice resource center, committed to advancing the health, safety, and livelihoods of communities impacted by pollution and climate change. Through research, education, and workforce training, DSCEJ collaborates with communities, scientists, and policymakers to address systemic environmental inequities. DSCEJ is dedicated to ensuring every person’s right to live free from environmental harm impacting health, housing, jobs, and overall quality of life.
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Media Contact
DSCEJ Communications
media@dscej.org
Feb 27, 2025 | Community Engagement News, DSCEJ General News, HBCU Climate Change Conference News, HBCU Climate Change Consortium News, Student Engagement News, The Latest News
Environmental Justice Pioneers and Torchbearers: Passing the Torch to Elevate the Voices of Emerging EJ Leaders
We are excited to announce the upcoming Community Forum titled “Environmental Justice Pioneers and Torchbearers: Passing the Torch to Elevate the Voices of Emerging EJ Leaders.” This forum, which will kick off our 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference, is designed to be a collaborative space, reflecting the mission of the HBCU Climate Change Consortium in integrating grassroots voices with academic insights.
There will be a dynamic dialogue that harnesses the wisdom of seasoned advocates alongside the creativity and enthusiasm of our emerging leaders.
This event is free and open to the public.
Local media are welcome to attend.
Community Forum Panelists:
Environmental Justice Pioneers:
- Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publisher Association
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Founding Director, Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University
- Peggy M. Shepard, Co-founder & Executive Director, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
- Vernice Miller-Travis, Executive Vice President, Metropolitan Group
- Donele Wilkins, Founder & CEO, Green Door Initiative
- Dr. Paul Mohai, Professor, University of Michigan, School of Environment and Sustainability
Climate Change Conference Student Alumni:
- Dr. Dominic J. Bednar, Assistant Professor, Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, University of California, Irvine
- Dr. Michelle Dovil, Research Scientist, Adjunct Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology, Howard University
- Simone English, Community Resilience & Stakeholder Engagement Program Manager, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Dr. Alexandria McBride, Senior Program Officer, Waverley Street Foundation
- Dr. Regan Patterson, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
- Dr. Joy Semien, Founder, Leeding With Joy
- Steven Washington, Community Engagement Assistant Director, Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, Texas Southern University
Our evening will begin with an inspiring keynote address from Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., African-American activist, author, journalist, and the current president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. In 1981, Dr. Chavis coined the phrase “environmental racism” after he was arrested for protesting North Carolina’s decision to dump tons of toxic waste in poor, predominantly Black Warren County. The attention garnered by the demonstrations in Warren County laid the foundation for the environmental justice movement in the United States. Dr. Chavis remains active in the environmental justice movement.
We’ll also feature a spoken word performance by local poet Sunni Patterson. A New Orleans native and visionary, she is an internationally acclaimed poet, performer, workshop facilitator, certified spiritual life coach/consultant, and an initiated priestess and minister.
A book signing will immediately follow the forum featuring Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. (The Transatlantic Slave Trade), Dr. Robert D. Bullard and Dr. Beverly Wright (The Wrong Complexion for Protection).
Limited seating is available.
DATE: Wednesday, 3/5/2025
TIME: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
LOCATION: JW Marriott – 614 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA (Vieux Carré- Level 3)
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, in collaboration with the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, will host the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference, happening in-person from March 5 to 9, 2025 at the JW Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Media please RSVP to:
Ginger LeBlanc
media@dscej.org
Questions? Conference Contact
Mary I. Williams
hbcuconf@dscej.org
Jan 8, 2025 | Community Engagement News, DSCEJ General News, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ragan Collins as the new Director of Community and Partner Engagement at the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.
With a rich background in community organizing and advocacy, Ragan brings a wealth of experience that perfectly aligns with our mission to uplift marginalized communities and drive systemic change.
Ragan’s expertise in building strong community partnerships and fostering collaboration will be instrumental in enhancing our outreach efforts. Her passion for health equity and environmental justice, coupled with her commitment to empowering local voices, will significantly strengthen DSCEJ initiatives aimed at creating sustainable practices within communities across the Gulf South.
Ragan’s appointment, with an eye towards her leadership capabilities, is a pivotal step towards reinforcing our dedication to advocating for those who have been historically marginalized and underserved, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the struggle for environmental and climate justice.
Welcome aboard, Ragan! We will make a difference together!
Dec 17, 2024 | CIRC News, Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Newsletter News, Research and Policy News, Student Engagement News, The Latest News, Worker Training Program News
YEAR END 2024 Edition
Read Our Year-End Newsletter
IN THIS EDITION:
- Worker Training Program Report
- Grant & Funding News
- Student Engagement News
- Community Engagement & Advocacy News
- Team DSCEJ Highlights
- Navigate NOLA Update
- NBEJN Report
- Dr. Wright’s Travelogue
READ MORE . . .
