The Environmental Racism Solutions Series Summit builds on the release of the Environmental Racism in St. Louis report in 2019. A series of community meetings focused on solutions to the mountain of knowledge and challenges facing the region were held leading up to The Environmental Racism Solutions Series Summit. The event this Saturday will elevate solutions to problems rooted in environmental racism including air pollution, illegal dumping, vacancy, food apartheid, and substandard housing, which includes high energy burdens, mold, and lead in homes.

“It’s important that communities consolidate power and be the source of the solutions that they seek,” said Jenise Sheppard, Chicago native, and Washington University student. “It’s going to take energy and hard work to ensure there is access to healthy food, clean air, safe housing, and beyond following the decades of disenfranchisement. The purpose of this event is to take a critical look at our surroundings and create advantages for our communities.”

The event will include community speakers, swag bags, breakout sessions by topic, and various interactive activities that include yard sign painting, a plywood drawing activity, a trash kit ball, and a photo booth.

“We want people who join us to have a positive experience while we work together toward justice for St. Louisans who have been harmed through generations of environmental racism,” said Madison Orozco, Community Collaborations Associate with ArchCity Defenders.

Who: Sponsor organizations include Action St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders, Dutchtown South, Sierra Club

 Speakers: 

• Jenise Sheppard – Southside of Chicago native, undergraduate student at Washington University studying Environmental Analysis & Drama, and intern with the Missouri Sierra Club. They have been passionate about environmentalism & social justice from a young age.
• Madeline Middlebrooks – Staff Attorney with Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. She has received a two-year grant to work on reducing the lead levels in Saint Louis Public Schools drinking water. Her funding provides her with the resources to represent affected families in legal proceedings if applicable, create a legislative campaign, and find a long-term solution to this problem.
• Mina Aria – Campaign Director for Uprooted & Rising, a movement focused on replacing corporate control of our food system with food sovereignty. Mina also organizes locally with the St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee and Resist STL.

What: Environmental Racism Solution Series Summit – virtual and in-person socially distance activities. Safety tips for attending rallies & protests.

Where: Deaconess Foundation – 1000 N. Vandeventer Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63113

Join virtually through the Facebook event here.

When: Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 1:00-5:00pm