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Black History & the Environmental
Justice Movement
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Poet and author Maya Angelou once said, “You can't really know where you're going until you know where you've been.” That is certainly true for those of us in the environmental justice movement, as we face some of the greatest challenges to equity and justice in decades. That is why we are pleased to share our latest storymap, Black History & the Environmental Justice Movement. Celebrate Black History Month with us as we honor and celebrate the individuals, organizations, and communities who have worked – and in many cases, still are working – to advance environmental justice. Click Here
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Climate Justice Working Group: Federal Funding & Thermal Energy Networks
Join our Climate Justice Working Group for a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 18th from 6:00-7:30 PM to hear from WE ACT's Federal Government Affairs Manager Astrid DuBois on the status of recent executive orders and what they mean for environmental justice and New York State. We will also hear from Jon Furlong, Clean Buildings Manager at NYLCV, about a new technology in New York that could deliver clean and cheap energy to dozens of buildings at once: Thermal Energy Networks. RSVP
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Beauty Redefined: Black Women Shaping the Standard
Our Beauty Inside Out Working Group is hosting a special Black History Month meeting on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:30-7:30 PM. Dr. Astrid Williams will join us to share her presentation titled "Beauty Redefined: Black Women Shaping the Standard." For centuries, beauty standards have been shaped by narrow ideals that have often excluded Black women. But today, those standards are being rewritten on our terms. Join us as we explore the powerful role Black women play in challenging norms, reclaiming representation, and setting new benchmarks for beauty, confidence, and self-expression. Join Here
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ON HOLD: For a Better Cooling Center Program
The New York City Council’s Health Committee has postponed its hearing for Intro. 998, legislation that could advance a better cooling center program. We are not happy about this, but we will provide you with updates once we have more details.
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WE ACT Albany Advocacy Day
Now you have two reasons to come up to Albany with us on March 4th:
Are you concerned about the toxic chemicals commonly found in cosmetics and other personal care products? Did you know that many of the most toxic products are aggressively marketed toward people of color? Then travel with us to Albany on Tuesday, March 4th to lobby for the New York State Beauty Justice Act.
Are concerned about energy affordability? Do you want to help New York State to transition to clean, renewable energy? Then travel with us to Albany on Tuesday, March 4th to lobby for the NY HEAT Act.
What You Need to Know About Our Albany Trips
You will spend the day with our staff and colleagues as we take a bus (which is free for you, along with lunch) up to Albany. Once we arrive, you will meet with your lobby team leader and review the key talking points about these bills and the plan for the day – along with any questions you may have – over free coffee and bagels. Once we’re all prepped, we will then split up into teams to meet with legislators and their staff to discuss the importance of passing each of these critical bills. You can join the Beauty Justice lobby team, or you can join the NY HEAT lobbying team – whichever legislation you are most passionate about!
For those who sign up to attend, we will hold a Zoom prep meeting beforehand to explain the details of this legislation, provide tips on talking to legislators, and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, feel free to watch this brief video showing what you can expect on one of our Albany trips.
If you join us, we will meet at WE ACT’s office (on the Second Floor of 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, which is at the corner of 152nd Street) at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, March 4th. We will have bagels and coffee before boarding the bus to Albany for the day, returning to our office around 5:00 PM. RSVP Today
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Poison Beyond Pests: Understanding Pesticide Risks and Community Action Planning
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If you live in New York City, there is a good chance you have been exposed to pesticides, whether at home or at work. Join us on Wednesday, March 5th from 6:30-9:30 PM at the Juan Pablo Duarte Foundation, which is located at 4211 Broadway (Suite 23-A, on the Second Floor), for this special bi-lingual presentation on pesticide safety and how to have a healthier home. RSVP
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Cameron Clarke was quoted in a City Limits story on the challenges NYCHA continues to face with mold. He noted some of the other indoor air pollution residents likely face, and the fact that the levels of these pollutants can be even higher than what they are exposed to outdoors.
Harlem World shared our call for public comments on the EPA’s Draft Interim Cumulative Impacts Framework, which are due at noon on February 19th.
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Uptown Chats: Affordable Energy with the NY HEAT Act
In the latest episode of our Uptown Chats podcast, Jaron and Lonnie talk about the New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (NY HEAT) Act with Cameron Clarke, our NY HEAT Act Campaign Coordinator. The NY HEAT Act is designed to make energy more affordable while helping advance New York’s transition to renewable energy. They also discuss how a bill becomes a law in New York State. Listen Here
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Annual Dominicans on the Hill Day
Our staff attended the Seventh Annual Dominicans on the Hill Day at the U.S. Capitol on February 11th. Hosted by Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who is the first Dominican American elected to Congress and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, this day-long event served as a gathering of lawmakers and other leaders with Dominican roots from around the country. Our staff attended to show solidarity and to network with the goal of future partnerships that can advance our programs and further educate the community. Learn More
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Earth Day 5K Fun Run: Support WE ACT!
Come celebrate Earth Day, help raise funds for WE ACT, and run or walk for a healthier, greener community at our annual Earth Day 5K fundraiser. We will be holding the fun run at Randall’s Island on Saturday, April 19th. You can run or walk and enter as an individual or as a team. The event is open to everyone, including all ages and abilities. Early bird tickets are now on sale for $25! To take advantage of this special offer, register today using the promo code “earlybird” when prompted. RSVP
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