African American communities are often the first to suffer and the last to receive help when environmental disasters strike. From hurricanes and floods to industrial accidents and toxic exposure, these events reveal a troubling pattern of racialized neglect and systemic inequality. This workshop explores how environmental racism compounds vulnerability for Black communities, and what justice demands in response.
We will examine how unfair disaster planning, toxic site placement, slow government responses, and racialized geographies leave Black communities exposed to greater harm. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how environmental injustice intersects with race, place, and policy—and how a history of medical and governmental exploitation fuels current mistrust and disparity.
Together, we will engage in solution-focused discussions on how to build equitable, sustainable, and just responses to the climate crisis.
Participants will learn:
- How environmental racism shapes vulnerability to disasters like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and toxic contamination
- The historical roots of mistrust in African American communities toward government and public health institutions
- Why location—”your ZIP code”—is one of the most powerful predictors of health and disaster risk.
- How racialized policy, housing segregation, and disinvestment create “sacrifice zones” in Black communities.
- Why climate equity must center Black voices.
- How to recognize and advocate for fair disaster response and inclusive climate resilience planning.
- Examples of community-led responses and strategies for environmental health and climate justice.
followed by Healing Circle (optional)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Healing circles based on shared experiences give people a chance to be listened to about feelings connected to climate change. Having the chance to share feelings of grief, fear, anger, discouragement, and hope in a mutually supportive group can refresh us and give us new ideas for action.
Registration and sharing your contact information is optional, but if you register we’ll send you a reminder. Either way, please join us.
