Across the nation, BIPOC communities face environmental injustices daily, which are in part the result of systemic and institutional racism. This session will delve into the link between racial and environmental justice. Featured speaker Jacqueline Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership, is an advocate and activist for racial, economic, environmental, and climate justice. She believes our future must be rooted in a just transition that involves moving away from a society functioning on extraction to one rooted in deep democracy and integrating regenerative processes; cooperation; and acknowledgement of interdependence, where all rights are respected and honored (indigenous, women’s, and all marginalized communities). Jacqui has spent her career crafting and advocating for this just transition so society can get to a place where we can live in harmony with each other and the Earth.

After Jacqui’s address she will join a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Aurora Sharrard, Director of Sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh. The panel includes regional experts in equity and environmental justice;

• Jacqueline Patterson- Founder and Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project: A Resource Hub for Black Frontline Climate Justice Leadership     
• Allison Acevedo, Esq. – Director, Office of Environmental Justice, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection  
• Dr. Jamil Bey - Founder & President, UrbanKind Institute  
• Dr. Kyle Whyte- Professor, indigenous philosopher, and environmental justice scholar,  University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability
• Ali Aslam – Student, University of Pittsburgh

The panel will discuss their perspectives on Jaqui’s address, discuss how historically oppressive systems helped create social and environmental injustices, answer questions from the audience, and discuss what we can do to be part of a just transition that builds a sustainable future where all people and the planet can thrive.

Register for Combatting Environmental Racism and Injustice

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at diversity@pitt.edu by July 21

This session is a part of the 2021 Diversity Forum.