News

Sound Rivers celebrates Black History Month

Education, Environmental, Sound Rivers

Posted on February 10th, 2021

Protesters attempt to block the delivery of toxic PCB waste to a landfill in Warren County, N.C., in 1982. It was in response to the state’s decision to locate a hazardous waste landfill in a low-income, predominantly Black area of Warren County that the term “environmental racism” was first used by the Rev. Ben Chavis. (Photo by Jenny Labalme, Duke University archives)

February is Black History Month, a nationwide celebration lifting up the significant roles Black Americans have had in shaping U.S. history. In honor of Black History Month, Sound Rivers will be sharing weekly opportunities to learn more about how community activists have shaped environmental justice closer to home, starting with an NPR article exploring the history of environmental injustice — which first came to nationwide attention in 1982 when large protests were held opposing a toxic dump planned for a majority-Black neighborhood in Warren County, in the Tar-Pamlico watershed — and how people such as Devon Hall, of REACH, based in Duplin County, continue that work today.

Read about the history and ongoing environmental justice efforts in this article on the NPR website. 

We’re also sharing information about the Biden administration’s plans to address environmental racism in this article on bloomberglaw.com and this one on E&E News.

We encourage all of our website’s visitors to take advantage of these learning opportunities!

Related News

Nash stormwater control measures get rain-tested January 9th 2025
2nd fuel spill prompts local partnership discussion January 9th 2025
New podcast episode: 'Investigation: Sound Rivers' January 9th 2025
Welcome 2025! January 2nd 2025
Welcoming the new year with a recap of 2024! December 27th 2024
Trash traps get holiday cleanouts! December 19th 2024