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40 Years of Environmental Justice: 2022 September Events
“40 Years of Environmental Justice: Birth in Warren County to Today & Beyond” Hosted by Clean Water for NC with Panelists: Angella Dunston, Rev. William (Bill) Kearney, Danielle Koonce & Ghanja O'Flaherty Friday, September 30, 2022 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (EST) EVENT IS SOLD OUT! You can still watch the video, get a wrap-around overview, and more at: cwfnc.org/40-years-ej-resources/ FREE webinar to wrap up the September commemorations of the 40th Anniversary of Warren County Protests. This event will look at the birthing the EJ movement, where we are today, and the future. Our guest speakers have decades of direct experience in the EJ movement and will share their experiences, lessons learned, and what work still remains for the future of EJ in Warren County, North Carolina, and Beyond. Please visit our Eventbrite page for more details and to donate to support speaker organizations! About Our Webinar and More on LOTS of Events Throughout September! This year commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the birth of the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement! The terms “environmental racism” and “environmental justice” were coined during the 1982 protests in Warren County, NC, when a grassroots effort worked to block a cancer-causing PCB-laced landfill in the Afton community of Warren County with a supermajority of African-American residents. The proposed landfill was announced in 1978 and after four years of mounting scientific and legal challenges, the courts nonetheless allowed the applicable permits. In 1982, residents protested for seven weeks and many participated in civil disobedience to block the trucks from bringing the toxic waste, leading to over 500 arrests, and so a movement was officially born. The state still dumped the PCBs and a long history ensued. For the month of September, several organizations have pulled together in hosting events and education to commemorate this momentous event that catapulted a movement and has carried through to our work today. The main event is hosted by Warren County Environmental Action Team the weekend of September 17th & 18th in Warrenton, and Clean Water for North Carolina is offering a wrap-around finale on September 30th. Support Continuing EJ Efforts! See below the flyer for details and links for each of these events and more! Support Continuing EJ Efforts! Wed. 9/14 @ 1-2pm “The Birth of a Movement: A 40th Anniversary Retrospective” Webinar with Dollie Burwell, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., and the Rev. William Kearney Hosted by United Church of Christ Location: Online/Virtual only (see link below) Description: This September will mark the 40th anniversary of the Warren County protests that would ripple outward around the world with far reaching impacts that continue until today. A wealth of insight and inspiration is to be found in this critical moment of history during which leaders grounded in their faith played an integral and significant role. In this webinar, we will hear from three persons who were an important part of the protests: Dollie Burwell, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., and the Rev. William Kearney. NOTE: Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and they will send you a link to a recording of it. For more information and to register, visit UCC’s Event page Thur. 9/15 @ 1:30pm “We Birthed the Movement: The Warren County PCB Landfill Protests, 1978-1982” Art Exhibit Hosted by UNC Chapel Hill Wilson Library Location: UNC Chapel Hill Wilson Library Description: This exhibition is open July 25-December 22, 2022, showcasing four years of how a group of concerned citizens in Afton (Warren County) responded to the state’s plan to build a toxic landfill laced with cancer-causing PCBs in their community, mounting legal and scientific challenges to what they deemed an act of “toxic aggression.” It was curated in collaboration with protest participants, eyewitnesses, and those who continue to organize for justice in Warren County. The exhibit centers their voices and stories in the retelling. For more information, visit: UNC’s Exhibit Page Thur. 9/15 @ 5:30-7pm “Environmental Justice: Past, Present and Future” Conversation with Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Catherine Coleman Flowers Hosted by Duke University Location: Duke University Chapel & Online Description: Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. in conversation with Catherine Coleman Flowers. The Robert R. Wilson Distinguished Lecture will feature the Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., who is credited for coining the term "environmental racism," which he declared from his prison cell after being arrested during the protests. Chavis will discuss the past, present and future of environmental justice with Catherine Coleman Flowers, activist and recent McArthur Genius Grant awardee. For more information and to register, visit Duke’s event page Sat 9/17 @ 8am-2pm “We Birthed the Movement: 40 Years of Environmental Justice” A 40th Anniversary Commemoration Hosted by Warren County Environmental Action Team & Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church Location: Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 244 Parktown Road, Warrenton, NC 27589 Description: A day of commemoration and celebration of the fact that Warren County birthed the EJ movement - acknowledging our legacy as we form partnerships to move forward toward equity and justice. Schedule: 8:00-8:45am Registration/Check-in 8:45-9:30am Ceremony: Passing of the Torch 9:30-11:30am Commemorative March, Prayer of Reconciliation, Music, and Activities 11:30am-2pm Catered lunch Program/Rally For more information, visit WCEAT’s Facebook page Sun 9/18 @ 2-4pm Community Healing Worship Service Hosted by Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church Location: Coley Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 244 Parktown Road, Warrenton, NC 27589 Description: The African American church (Coley Springs Missionary Baptist) has historically been on the frontline in our fight for social and now environmental justice - the community healing worship service will again center our faith communities in Warren County and beyond fight for justice. For more information, visit WCEAT’s Facebook page Tue 9/20 @ 5pm-8pm Downtown Warrenton & Warren County Jail Museum EJ Tour Hosted by Warren County Environmental Action Team Location: Meet @ 200 block of East Macon Street, Warrenton, NC 27589 Description: This will be a grand tour that is broken down into three 1-hour sessions scheduled as follows: 5-6pm: Guided tour of downtown Warrenton 6-7pm: Session w politicians, music, general information about EJ movement 7-8pm: Historical Jail Museum The final session will include remarks from folks who participated in the protest and the jailer who was present when protestors were arrested. It will also include an update on future plans for the jail. For more information, visit WCEAT’s Facebook page Sat. 9/24 @ 6:30-9pm Fourth Annual Freedom Fund Banquet with Dr. Timothy B. Tyson Hosted by Warren Co. NAACP in collaboration with Warren County Environmental Action Team Update: Changed from in-person to livestream Description: A wonderful in-person program was planned this year with the theme “Back Together Again.” But the pandemic is not over and cases continue to spike in Warren County. In an effort to keep everyone safe, a memorable virtual event is being planned that will feature live and recorded performances. The banquet will be livestreamed from Warren County Community Center. We will celebrate: 1) being “Back Together Again” virtually and 2) the collaborative efforts of Warren County NAACP and those who sparked the Warren County Environmental Justice Movement 40 years ago. A commemorative edition program book will give special recognition to the unsung warriors of the Warren County Environmental Justice Movement in 1982. For more information and how to purchase tickets to the livestreamed event, visit: Warren County NAACP’s Facebook page Fri. 9/30 @ 12pm “40 Years of Environmental Justice: Birth in Warren County to Today & Beyond” Webinar Panelists: Angella Dunston, Rev. William (Bill) Kearney, Danielle Koonce & Ghanja O'Flaherty Hosted by Clean Water for North Carolina Location: FREE Online/Virtual only (see link below) Description: A FREE webinar commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Warren County Protests: birthing the EJ movement, where we are today, and the future. To register, visit our Eventbrite page Support Continuing EJ Efforts! Select the “40th Anniversary of EJ” designation for proceeds to benefit speaker organizations who participate in Clean Water for NC's September 30th Webinar
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Preparing for an Active Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1st and lasts until November 30th, with the peak falling around September 10th. The effects of climate change have been felt more deeply in recent years, with wildfires and drought in the West, and rising sea levels and flooding on the East Coast and elsewhere. The climate crisis has also been linked to increased storm frequency and hurricane strength. Just last year, the Atlantic Hurricane Season produced 21 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), including seven hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) of…
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Say NO to Duke’s Carbon Plan!
On May 16th, Duke Energy submitted a proposed Carbon Plan for public comment in compliance with NC HB 951 requiring the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC) to develop a Carbon Plan by the end of 2022. The Commission is directed to achieve a reduction of 70% from 2005 levels by the year 2030 and carbon neutrality by the year 2050. Duke’s Plan doesn’t do enough to cut carbon emissions per HB 951 while lacking transparency and allowing for increased costs against ratepayers. Adding insult to injury, it does nothing to combat fracking and pipelines or animal waste digester and biogas activities, which directly impact drinking water resources in addition to climate and air quality. These practices disparately impact rural, low-income, and BIPOC communities. Below are some great resources including public hearings, rallies, talking points, report cards, and additional resources created by other fantastic organizations with whom we often collaborate or partner. *Two hearings will be held remotely via Webex, with members of the public participating by phone. People who would like to testify must register in advance by 5:00pm, August 16, 2022, by emailing the Commission at ncucpublichearing@ncuc.net or by calling 919-733-0837. People who want to register must provide their name, the docket number (E-100 Sub 179), the telephone number that they will use to participate in the hearing, and the topic of their testimony. Only the first 20 people registered for each remote hearing session will be allowed to testify. People who simply want to observe a remote hearing may do so via the live stream link on this website. Here is more information on how to participate in a remote hearing. Rallies People Power NC and other organizations are holding rallies and events before each meeting! These will have an art and community building focus outside each public hearing venue at the times provided below. Check back for more updates as information becomes available. • Durham rally at 5:30pm. Doors for the hearing will open at 7pm, folks will line up in advance and sign up to provide comments as soon as doors open. • Asheville rally at 5:30pm. • Charlotte rally at 3:00pm. Submitting Comments Any person or entity may submit written statements to inform the Commission of their positions on the Carbon Plan. Statements should be mailed to the address below, and reference Docket No. E 100, Sub 179. Persons may also electronically submit a position statement to the Commission about the Carbon Plan via the Commission’s website To send your comments via mail: 4325 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4300 Reference Pages NCUC: Carbon Plan Page House Bill 951 (S.L. 2021-165) Duke Proposed Carbon Plan Fact Sheets, Resources, Analyses Stay updated on energy news in NC and surrounding areas: Sign up for NC Energy Digest Southern Alliance for Clean Energy: Overview of Duke's Proposed NC Carbon Plan Clean AIRE NC: Carbon Plan Talking Points (cleanairenc.org); NC Carbon Plan - CleanAIRE NC People Power & Fossil-Free NC: Fossil Free NC; Carbon-Plan-Report-Card * Note: Some environmental groups offer the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as an alternative option, but Clean Water for NC and several community groups maintain reservations about RGGI due to EJ impacts, particularly hot-spotting and race-to-the-bottom impacts on low-income, rural, and BIPOC communities. These items would need to be adequately addressed to eliminate disparate and cumulative impacts on EJ communities.
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Celebrate Freedom on Juneteenth: Community Events Near You!
Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or Freedom Day or Jubilee Day commemorates June 19, 1865, as the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX learned they were free. While the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 and the 13th Amendment was passed by Congress on January 31, 1865, the news was slow to reach people in Texas. Finally on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger with Union troops landed in Galveston and read aloud General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Read below to learn more about how you can celebrate Juneteenth near your community! 2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival Concord, NC June 18th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM ChenMed & Accellacare present The 2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival themed "Educating, Empowering, Entertaining" will feature 80 black owned companies. Crafts, culture, performances, art, kids games, information and more is some of what attendees can expect. Free giveaways, discounts, and coupons make the vendor shopping experience like no other. Come support black business and black excellence. Recommended for all ages; admission is free. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 North Carolina 49, Concord. For more information, see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-north-carolina-juneteenth-festival-tickets-216003511317. Capital City Juneteenth Celebration Raleigh, NC June 18th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Juneteenth (June 19th) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. As part of the Capital City Juneteenth Celebration 2022, enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and food on Harvey Hill at Dix Park! The theme for this year's celebration is “Preserving the Past, Moving it Forward.” During this event, the mission is to “to celebrate the freedom of formerly enslaved African Americans by acknowledging their history and achievements through commemorative and historical services and activities.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, family activities, vendors and food on Harvey Hill and the Chapel Event Center at Dix Park! Learn more today! Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas Charlotte, NC June 16th - 19th Each year, the Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas celebrates the end of slavery, and the African American community is taking the opportunity to come together to reflect and remember the historical event. Come join us for a peaceful celebration and learn more about the schedule and speakers at our website! www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com Juneteenth of Asheville 2022 Freedom Festival Asheville, NC June 18th, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Celebrate freedom with the greater Community of Asheville. We will pay honor to our enslaved ancestors while enjoying awesome food and festivities. Join us as we travel to the past in solidarity to those we lost. There will be parade, vendors, food trucks, art, music, live performances, so much more. Visit the event website for more information! Juneteenth Jubilee Fayetteville, NC June 18th - 19th Organizers are pleased to announce the full performance schedule for the 2022 Juneteenth Jubilee, held on Saturday, June 18 from 12:00PM–9:30PM in Festival Park (335Ray Avenue). In addition to Grammy Award-nominated artists Amythyst Kiah and hometown rapper, Morray, the Jubilee stage will come alive with performances from Diali Cissokho and Kaira Ba, The Fatback Band, and Reggie Codrington. Diali Cissokho follows in the tradition of Senegalese musicians and storytellers known as griots. Together with his band, Kaira Ba–composed of Tarheel natives John Westmoreland, Jonathan Henderson, Austin McCall, and Will Ridenour–Cissokho weaves the traditions and rhythms of West African music with subtle notes of blues and folk sounds from the American South. NPR’s Frank Stasio described their sound as “at once unique and universal.” Learn more about the festivities here!
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to Clean Water for North Carolina in 2022