“Environmental Justice: From the Grassroots to the White House” Report from a Virtual Event Hosted by the American Public Health Association and United Church of Christ October 28, 2021 to Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit, Washington, DC

Abstract

In October 1991, the First People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit took place in Washington D.C. and attracted >1000 participants from all 50 states. The event centered the leadership and voices of communities of color. It concluded with the adoption of the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice (EJ), which remains a guiding document for many in the movement today. These proceedings document a virtual event that occurred exactly 30 years later in conjunction with the American Public Health Association's 2021 annual meeting. Participants heard perspectives from panelists who planned and attended the 1991 Summit, reflections from those in the EJ movement, a moving remembrance of those we have lost, insights from today's federal government, and a rousing call to action through the closing keynote. The work today must continue to address environmental racism, which remains a persistent issue in the United States, but this event gave pause to celebrate the past, present, and future of the EJ movement.