The Road to Environmental Justice: A Call for Collective Action

It was an incredible honor to serve as one of the keynote speakers at Johns Hopkins University’s HOP25 Conference, at the invitation of the Environmental Sciences and Policy/GIS Program. My keynote was entitled “The History of Time and This Time in History” and the opportunity to speak on such an important issue felt both humbling and urgent—especially when considering the state of our nation today. And because the message I shared is more relevant than ever, I’m extending it beyond the conference, hoping it will inspire a broader conversation and action.

As I reflected on the theme of the conference, I was reminded of a quote from one of my greatest inspirations, the Congressman John Lewis, who said:

“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”

Lewis’s words ring especially true today. As we stand at the intersection of time and history, we have the power to influence the future through our actions.

We are living in a critical moment where the fight for environmental justice is more urgent than ever, particularly for those communities that have been historically marginalized—communities that are still bearing the brunt of environmental degradation and systemic inequities. 

A Legacy of Environmental Injustice

The environmental challenges we face today are deeply rooted in a legacy of disenfranchisement. For decades, marginalized communities—especially people of color and low-income populations—have been disproportionately affected by industrial pollution, toxic waste, and environmental degradation. These communities, our communities, have borne the consequences of corporate decisions and greed, insufficient oversight and societal biases that view some people as “disposable.”

Historically, policies like redlining—which began in the 1930s—have played a significant role in shaping environmental injustice. Redlining denied Black and minority communities’ access to homeownership and financial resources, but it did much more than that. It also ensured that these communities were disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards.

Polluting industries were and are often placed in or near Black and low-income neighborhoods, contributing to poor health outcomes, environmental contamination, and even death. This legacy has endured and continues, and it is essential that we understand this history as we work to create a more just and equitable future.

The Fight for Environmental Justice: Policies and Setbacks

As we look back on the history of environmental justice, there are important milestones to celebrate. From the seminal report Toxic Waste and Waste, by the United Church of Christ, to grassroots movements that fought for clean air and water, to the policies like President Clinton’s Executive Order 12898, progress has been made. The Justice40 Initiative, under President Biden, is another recent step forward, aiming to direct 40% of federal climate investments to underserved communities.

However, these advancements are under threat! Currently, most environmental protections, including regulations on climate change, air and water quality and land use have been targeted or rolled back. These changes have disproportionately impacted the very communities that have been the victims of environmental injustice for so long. More than 140 executive orders have been signed to dismantle these protections, and the consequences are severe. Minority and low-income communities, already dealing with the compounded effects of environmental contamination, are now at greater risk.

As activists and advocates, we cannot afford to stand still. Now, more than ever, we must fight to protect the hard-won progress that has been made and continue pushing for policies that support equitable outcomes.

Language Matters: The Politics of Identity and Justice

Something I touched upon in my keynote, and something that continues to trouble me, is the growing trend to restrict or redefine certain words and phrases—words that have been central to the fight for social justice and environmental equity. According to The New Republic, over 200 words and phrases are now discouraged in various settings, including grant applications, schools, and public discourse. Phrases like “environmental justice,” “climate science,” and “socioeconomic status” are now considered problematic.

This attempt to redefine or eliminate key terms is not just an abstract issue. It’s personal. As a Black woman from Mobile, Alabama, a coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico that has seen its fair share of environmental devastation, my identity is bound up with these terms.

I am an advocate for environmental justice because I believe in fairness, equity, and inclusion for all people, particularly those who have been historically excluded. The language we use is not just about semantics—it is about recognizing the struggles and the dignity of those who have been pushed to the margins. 

We cannot allow the erasure of these essential terms. They are the language of our struggle. They shape how we think, how we act, and how we relate to one another. They help us define ourselves, our challenges, and the solutions we seek. The absence of these terms will not stop the reality of injustice—it will only make it harder for people to name and address the inequalities that persist.

The Path Forward: Three Key Takeaways

As we continue to move forward in the fight for environmental justice, here are three critical takeaways to remember:

1. Collective Power Drives Change

The history of environmental justice is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing. It shows that collective action has the power to create real change. From local communities facing pollution to national movements demanding policy change, we have learned that no one can do it alone.

If we are going to create lasting change, it requires all of us working together. Our voices, our actions, and our solidarity will move the needle. History teaches us that change does not happen in isolation—it takes a collective effort from all of us.

2. Policy Change is Real, but it Requires Our Commitment

While policy has been a powerful tool for advancing environmental justice, it is not enough to pass a law and then walk away. We must stay engaged, ensure that policies are effectively implemented, and hold those in power accountable.

We must push for policies that provide equitable protections for all communities, especially those who have been historically excluded. The fight for policy change is ongoing, and we cannot afford to rest. This is not a one-time battle; it is a sustained effort.

3. Equity and Sustainability Must Be Interwoven in Our Vision of the Future

True sustainability is not just about reducing emissions or conserving natural resources. It’s also about ensuring the communities that have been most impacted by environmental degradation have access to the benefits of a green economy, clean energy jobs, healthy infrastructure, and sustainable technologies. Equity and sustainability must go hand in hand, and we must work to ensure the next generation inherits a world where environmental protection is synonymous with human dignity and equality.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The road to real environmental justice is long, and the challenges are immense, but change is possible. Change is not easy, and it will not happen overnight, but it is possible. We have seen progress, and we continue to build on the victories of those who have been fighting tirelessly for justice. We cannot stop now. The work is far from done.

We must remain committed to collaboration, sustained advocacy, and ensuring that all people are included in the solutions. We are not powerless. We are powerful! Each action we take, whether through organizing, voting, or speaking out, contributes to a larger wave of change.

As Congressman Lewis wisely said:

“Take a long, hard look down the road you will have to travel once you have made a commitment to work for change. Know that this transformation will not happen right away. Change often takes time. It rarely happens all at once…”

But it will happen—if we stay committed. Together, we can create a future where environmental justice, sustainability, and equity are not ideals but reality.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being part of this important movement.

If you are interested in seeing the Keynote Address, Johns Hopkins has kindly provided the video here.