Aug 25, 2026 | DSCEJ General News, Funding News, HBCU Climate Change Conference News, HBCU Climate Change Consortium News, Newsletter News, Student Engagement News, The Latest News
Since its inception, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) has hosted student interns as part of its commitment to building the next generation of environmental justice leaders. The 2026 Environmental and Climate Justice Corps interns are helping to strengthen the capacity of DSCEJ partner communities across the Gulf Coast region. In the context of increasingly severe weather events driven by climate change, there is a growing need to support the resilience and survival of environmental justice communities.
Many of these communities—shaped by systemic racism—are located in heavily polluted areas that are disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts. These long-standing injustices are further compounded by poverty, limited access to essential services, and inequitable protection from pollution and regulatory agencies. Notably, DSCEJ’s partner communities are also places where many HBCU students live and study, creating a direct connection between academic learning and lived experience.
The HBCU internship program provides students with financial support while offering hands-on experiential learning through research, advocacy, and community engagement with Gulf Coast partner communities. Interns learn the history and priorities of community-based organizations (CBOs), support efforts to address pressing environmental concerns, and collaborate with community leaders to develop and implement research-to-action plans that advance environmental justice and community resilience.
Dorcas Gyan
Dorcas Gyan is an Urban Forestry PhD candidate at Southern University and A&M College and serves as a Research Intern supporting the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice’s Communiversity Model research initiatives. She contributes to data analysis, technical reporting, GIS mapping, and community engagement efforts that advance environmental justice research and community-informed decision-making. Working with the DSCEJ research team, Dorcas assists with updating environmental health reports, conducting interviews with community partners, analyzing air monitoring data, and developing geospatial maps that support advocacy, research, and community planning. Her work helps strengthen the integration of scientific research and community knowledge to address environmental health challenges.
Brynnan Smith
Brynnan Smith is a Communications and Public Relations major at Xavier University of Louisiana and serves as a Communications and Digital Engagement Intern with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. He supports DSCEJ’s communications and outreach efforts by helping to elevate environmental justice initiatives through digital media, storytelling, research, and audience engagement. Brynnan assists with social media management, content creation, digital asset organization, analytics, and fundraising communications. Working closely with the communications team, he develops compelling content, monitors emerging issues and trends in the environmental justice movement, and helps strengthen public awareness and engagement with DSCEJ’s mission and programs.
Christian Sutton
Christian Sutton is a Biology major at Jackson State University and serves as an Environmental Research and Science Intern with the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. She supports DSCEJ’s community partner, Spectrum Community Development Corporation (Spectrum CDC), in advancing scientific research, environmental monitoring, and community resilience initiatives. Working alongside the Jackson State University Science Team, Christian assists with environmental water and soil sampling, laboratory analysis, geospatial data verification, contamination assessment, and the development of interactive environmental mapping tools. Through her work, she contributes to community-based environmental research that helps inform residents, strengthen resilience, and advance environmental justice.
Interested in helping us continue to educate and train the next generation of EJ leaders? Donate today.
Aug 25, 2026 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, Dr. Wright Blog, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, Newsletter News, Research and Policy News, Student Engagement News, Take Action Alert, The Latest News, Worker Training Program News
From the Desk of Dr. Beverly Wright –
A reflection penned on the growing climate risks facing coastal Louisiana, where sea-level rise, land subsidence, and rapid wetland loss are reshaping the region’s future. For New Orleans, the stakes extend beyond infrastructure and flood protection. They include the preservation of Black communities, neighborhood connections, and a cultural identity rooted in place. As the region continues investing in restoration, resilience, and adaptation, Dr. Wright asks a critical question: how can these efforts protect both people and the communities that make New Orleans what it is?
Read More >
2026 Summer Interns Close Out an Impactful Experience
The 2026 HBCU Environmental & Climate Corps Summer Internship program recently concluded with a final presentation at the DSCEJ Community Advisory Board Meeting on August 5th. This summer, the DSCEJ hosted a cohort of dedicated interns who worked alongside partner community-based organizations (CBOs) across the Gulf Coast to translate academic research into real-world advocacy and community resilience.
Dorcas Gyan
Southern University
and A&M College
Brynnan Smith
Xavier University
of Louisiana
Christian Sutton
Jackson State University
Throughout the summer, the interns engaged in a “Research-to-Action” model, focusing on the following areas:
Research & Documentation
Updating the “Living and Dying in Cancer Alley” report and conducting community needs assessments to identify key demographic challenges and organization-specific needs.
Strategic Communications
Developing communication assets, including social media plans, content calendars, and short-form video reels designed to highlight campaign pillars and elevate community storytelling.
We are incredibly proud of the contributions our interns made this summer and wish them all the best in their future academic and professional endeavors.
Learn More >
DSCEJ Attends EJLF Annual Convening
Simone English is photographed on the panel “Grounded in Grassroots: Air Quality Monitoring,” sharing DSCEJ’s work on CAMRA and the Environmental Justice Data and Action Platform.
Three DSCEJ Program Managers, Amanda Bonam, Simone English, and Javonda Nix, joined the Environmental Justice Leadership Forum’s Annual Convening in Chicago, June 23 to 26, themed “Frontline Power: Organizing for Environmental Justice.” The city holds deep roots in the movement as home to the late Hazel M. Johnson, and this year’s tour was led by her daughter, Cheryl Johnson, of People for Community Recovery.
The team returned with strengthened partnerships and fresh insight from grassroots organizations nationwide.
Advocating for Energy Justice in Washington, DC
Program Managers Simone English and Javonda Nix, members of the Health Equity and Environmental Action League (HEAL) Coalition, traveled to Washington, DC, from July 20 to 22 to advocate for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on behalf of communities facing energy burdens nationwide.
They opened the trip by introducing HEAL Coalition members to DSCEJ’s history and the Communiversity Model. In meetings with federal representatives, they spoke to LIHEAP’s impact, funding and staffing needs, and its role in helping participants complete DSCEJ’s Worker Training Program. Their advocacy centered the disproportionate energy burden facing vulnerable communities during extreme heat and other climate-related events.
Stories from the Fencelines
Watch Alsen-St.Irma Lee: A Generational Fight for Health, Happiness, and Environmental Justice, a storytelling effort that is part of a larger campaign against the harms of compounded, long-term petrochemical exposure for fenceline communities. We thank our partners and friends at Alsen-St. Irma Lee Community Village for sharing their experiences with environmental harm as we educate on why we continue to fight.
The Toxins Harm Health is rooted in a 1990 report authored by Dr. Beverly Wright, Living & Dying in Cancer Alley: The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same. The report combines narrative accounts with Toxic Release Inventory data to document the public health impacts of petrochemical exposure on residents in Cancer Alley. The campaign equips communities with data illustrating the environmental harms created by existing and newly permitted facilities across 11 parishes in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley.
Energy & Housing Justice Lunch & Learn Series
DSCEJ’s Energy & Housing Justice Lunch & Learn Series continues Tuesday, September 15, with a session on Nunez Community College’s Wind Energy Worker Training Program, featuring Kat Bell and Derrick Collins.
The monthly series runs through November on the third Tuesday of each month, 1:00 to 1:45 PM CT, connecting residents with guest speakers on housing and energy justice, from clean energy and workforce development to resilient homes.
Each session includes a presentation followed by Q&A.
Register to receive the calendar invitation.
QUESTIONS? Email Windy Beck, Energy Justice Researcher, DSCEJ
FIRST SOLAR WORKFORCE TRAINING COHORT COMPLETE
On June 15, 32 participants began DSCEJ’s Solar Workforce Training Program, and the first cohort has now completed the program, qualifying them to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate certification.
Graduates leave equipped for careers in the growing solar industry, with DSCEJ continuing to build employer partnerships that connect trainees to jobs.
LEARN MORE & SUPPORT OUR WORK
Watch our official web page for updates and the application to Cohort 2.
Want to help? Donate to continue this free community program or partner with us.
Water Justice Training Institute Completes Fourth Cohort
In July, DSCEJ’s Water Justice Training Institute (WJTI) closed out its fourth cohort since launching in 2019. The program trains community-based organizations across the Deep South in water systems science, geospatial mapping, policy advocacy, and strategic communications, culminating in an Advocacy Tool each participant can use for their own goals.
These organizations completed the 2026 cohort, showcasing tools that confronted polluting industries, advocated for flood-resilient infrastructure, and equipped residents through community-based science. They now join DSCEJ’s growing network of WJTI alumni working across the region.
2026 COHORT ORGANIZATIONS:
Cherokee Concerned Citizens
Culture of Cleanliness
Environmental Community Advocates of Galena Park
Fishermen Involved in Sustaining Our Heritage (F.I.S.H.)
Hollygrove-Dixon Neighborhood Association
New World Believers
Odi Eka Tech Outreach NPO
Spectrum CDC
The Black Table LLC
Visibility Outreach Touch Engage (VOTE SoAR)
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Nov 8, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, Press Releases, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
Portal Advances Democratization of Data
NEW ORLEANS, LA) – Today, the Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP) was officially launched at a press conference where attendees received a live demonstration of the portal’s features and capabilities. Designed to empower communities and policymakers alike, the EJ DAP is an innovative tool providing access to critical environmental and social justice data through an intuitive, interactive platform.
The EJ DAP, developed in partnership with Intellectual Concepts, LLC, combines extensive datasets on pollution, toxic chemicals, health outcomes, and demographic information, creating a user-friendly and accessible hub of vital information for communities impacted by environmental burdens. With a few clicks, users can access insights into pollution types, sources, and toxicity data for over 150 chemicals. Additionally, the portal’s integration of demographic and socioeconomic indicators enables users to see where environmental impacts intersect with social vulnerabilities.
Empowering Communities through Data and Transparency
The portal is designed to help users identify and address specific environmental challenges within their communities. With the ability to run localized queries based on ZIP codes, users can easily locate pollution sources, understand chemical compositions, and view community-specific environmental and health data. Through this data, community members, policymakers, and industry leaders are better positioned to communicate and collaborate on meaningful action toward environmental justice.
Key Features of the EJ Data Action Portal:
- Localized Pollution and Health Data: Users can explore data on pollution levels, sources, toxic chemicals, and health impacts specific to their local areas.
- ZIP Code Search and Interactive Dashboards: Users can enter their ZIP code to access data tailored to their location, including environmental burden rankings and socioeconomic indicators.
- Regular Data Updates: With ongoing data updates, the EJ DAP ensures users have access to the most current information available.
During today’s press conference, EJ DAP developers provided a live demonstration of the portal’s functionality, showcasing how users can navigate its features and apply its data in real-world contexts. The live demo highlighted how the portal’s data can aid in identifying environmental disparities and informing policy decisions that promote environmental justice.
“The democratization of data is crucial for the success of EJ communities as it will empower them to tell their stories, show injustices, and to convince administrators and other stakeholders that what they are experiencing is real. The DSCEJ’s goal with the EJ DAP is to provide the tools and resources that will allow communities to become confident, competent data champions.” said Dr. Beverly Wright, DSCEJ Founder and Executive Director.
The EJ DAP is a collaboration among experts and stakeholders in the environmental justice field, integrating insights from the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), and Environmental Justice Index (EJI). This central resource aligns with the national commitment to promoting equity, health, and environmental justice, offering data transparency and empowering communities across the nation.
The Environmental Justice Data Action Portal is accessible at https://www.ejdap.org/.
About EJ DAP
The Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP) is committed to providing reliable, accessible environmental data to strengthen community-driven efforts toward achieving health equity and environmental justice. Through the portal, EJ DAP supports informed advocacy and policy, contributing to a more equitable future for all. This project was made possible by a grant from the Windward Fund.
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Nov 6, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, Press Releases, Research and Policy News, The Latest News
NEW ORLEANS) The DSCEJ will host a press conference to launch the Environmental Justice Data Action Portal (EJ DAP), an innovative, user-friendly platform that the DSCEJ has designed to consolidate key environmental and demographic datasets into a single, accessible hub.
During the demonstration, presenters will show how users can search by ZIP code to locate pollution sources, assess chemical toxicity, and view demographic and socioeconomic data to understand environmental impacts within specific communities. This powerful tool is designed to facilitate community collaboration, inform local and federal policies, and enhance transparency in environmental health data.
EJ DAP integrates data from key sources, including the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP), and Environmental Justice Index (EJI), making it a comprehensive resource for those addressing environmental burdens and social vulnerabilities. This tool was made possible by a grant from the Windward Fund.
Date: Friday, November 8
Location: DSCEJ HQ – 9801 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70127
Time: 9:00 AM
WHO:
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Troy Carter, Congressman, LA-2 (invited)
- Oliver Thomas, City Councilmember, City of New Orleans (invited)
- Members of the EJ DAP development team
Members of the media are invited to attend, please RSVP to media@dscej.org.
Oct 21, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, LGCGP News, Press Releases, The Latest News
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 21, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Division is awarding the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project (LGCGP) and $2.4 million. The Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmakers Project (LGCGP) is designed to build the capacity of environmental justice communities in coastal Louisiana parishes to respond to the impact of systemic inequities, and the devastating impact of climate change and water quality/water justice issues in their communities.
“Since 1992, the DSCEJ has been working with community groups in Louisiana and beyond to bring environmental justice and climate resilience to Gulf Coast communities and we are grateful to see them continuing their great work,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “As recent events show, hurricanes remain a dangerous natural disaster and it is important we continue to strengthen our coastal communities in any way possible to mitigate disaster risks. I would like to thank the DSCEJ for their decades of environmental justice work and for their continued goal of protecting public health and the environment.”
“The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice has a history of ensuring equity environmental practices in disadvantaged communities,” said Marc Wyatt, U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division Director. Through DSCEJ’s commitment and hard work, this project will create a pathway for increased collaboration across community based organizations, various sectors of government, and the community at large.”
“Environmental justice is not just a goal, it’s a promise. A promise that every Louisianian deserves a healthy environment, free from the harms of industrial pollution and destruction from storms and flooding. Today, I’m excited to announce a $2.5 million investment from the EPA to help our community tackle critical water justice issues and improve overall quality of life. These projects will have a lasting impact on our environment and, most importantly, on the people who call these parishes home,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
“Congratulations to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice on receiving this $2.4 million award from the EPA to spearhead the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant will empower communities across the Gulf Coast region to address critical issues like water quality and climate resilience, ensuring that local organizations have the resources they need to lead impactful, community-driven projects. Our partnership with DSCEJ, especially through efforts like the Climate Action Equity Report and Project, has set a standard for inclusive engagement and meaningful change. We are proud to continue working together to build a stronger, more resilient future for all of our communities.”
“As we face an unprecedented hurricane season, it is more crucial than ever to support community-based organizations in their efforts to combat climate change and address water quality issues. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice is thrilled to partner with the EPA to deliver much-needed funding to these organizations. Through the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project, grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 will empower 24 environmental justice champions to advance their visions for their communities,” said DSCEJ Founder & Executive Director, Dr. Beverly Wright.
Over a two-year period, through a competitive subaward process, the DSCEJ will provide $1.82M in subawards to approximately 24 selected Environmental Justice-missioned CBOs with awards of $50,000 to $100,000 to implement green projects to address one or more water quality issues and improve quality of life in their communities. The goals of each project will vary but will include mitigating flooding, reducing impacts from nonpoint source pollution, or improving stormwater management. The project will also provide technical assistance through a combination of existing programming and leveraged resources, helping sub-awardees to better plan and craft viable project proposals, for solicitations offered through this project, and others.
The DSCEJ will be focusing on aiding multiple parishes throughout the state of Louisiana. These parishes include Acadia, Calcasieu, Cameron, Iberia, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaFourche, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Vermillion.
The Gulf of Mexico Division is a non-regulatory program of EPA founded to facilitate collaborative actions to protect, maintain, and restore the health and productivity of the Gulf of Mexico. To carry out its mission, the Gulf of Mexico Division continues to maintain and expand partnerships with state and federal agencies, federally recognized tribes, local governments and authorities, academia, regional business and industry, agricultural and environmental organizations, and individual citizens and communities. For more information on this division, please visit this webpage.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit our homepage.
Oct 17, 2024 | Community Engagement News, Dr. Beverly Wright News, DSCEJ General News, Funding News, LGCGP News, Press Releases, The Latest News
DALLAS, TEXAS (October 17, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance will be joined by Founder & Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) Dr. Beverly Wright, Congressman Troy Carter (LA-2), Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division Director Marc Wyatt to celebrate DSCEJ’s EPA grant of $2,499,616 to administer the Louisiana Gulf Coast Grantmaking Project.
Members of the media are invited to attend, please RSVP to R6Press@epa.gov.
Date: Monday, October 21st
Location: Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St. New Orleans, LA 70130
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
WHO:
- Dr. Nance, Regional Administrator, EPA Region 6
- Marc Wyatt, Division Director, U.S. EPA Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Division
- Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
- Mayor LaToya Cantrell
- Troy Carter, Congressman, LA-2
- Oliver Thomas, City Councilmember, City of New Orleans (invited)
