By Jeffrey Robbins
At CleanAIRE NC, we proudly stand in solidarity and celebration as we embark on Black History Month.
Today, we want to emphasize an important truth: Black history is American history! Honoring the contributions, experiences, and resilience of Black individuals is fundamental to understanding and appreciating our nation’s story.
We also want to recognize the remarkable contributions and groundbreaking work of North Carolina’s Black environmental leaders who have dedicated their lives to protecting our environment and advocating for environmental justice.
North Carolina is often called the “birthplace of the environmental justice movement.” In 1982, the state selected a predominantly Black community in Warren County as the site for a hazardous waste landfill. The decision sparked outrage. Protesters came together to physically block the dump trucks carrying PCB-contaminated soil into their community.
The peaceful protests attracted national attention, highlighting the inherent racism within environmental decision-making processes and lighting a spark that eventually grew into a powerful civil rights movement. The trailblazers in Warren County demanded a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, paving the way for policy changes and increasing awareness of the intersection between race, class, and the environment.
Of course, the roots of environmental justice in North Carolina run even deeper.
During the rapid industrialization of the early 20th century, Black and Indigenous communities were disproportionately targeted for waste disposal and polluting facilities thanks to racist housing practices such as redlining. The civil rights movement in the 1960s paved the way for Black activists like Floyd McKissick, who linked environmental degradation with racial discrimination.
The legacy of these pioneers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing environmental racism and inequality head-on. Today, the fight for environmental justice is ongoing, with communities across North Carolina disproportionately burdened by pollution and environmental hazards.
At CleanAIRE NC we’re committed to listening to, partnering with, and supporting these communities. Together, we’re fighting for equitable environmental policies that prioritize the well-being of marginalized groups.
Throughout this month, let’s amplify Black voices and honor their achievements. By embracing Black history as a shared heritage, we celebrate, learn, and strive for a future where equality, justice, and environmental stewardship are upheld for every individual.
Join us in commemorating this month by engaging in conversations, sharing stories, and uplifting the Black leaders, visionaries, and icons who continue to shape North Carolina and our world.
