“Environmental injustice is a way in which minorities or a group of people in a neighborhood are targeted for specific things,” Davis said. Thanks to the Black Lives Matter movement, more of these critical and urgent issues are being brought to light. To Allen, environmental justice is essential, “because, in the long run, this is killing our children of color. While it might not seem like a top concern, this is affecting their overall health and shortening their life expectancy. Those who are empowered by environmental injustice understand that it protects humanity and other lives by protecting the environment.” To help Black lives, we must help in all aspects, including the way minorities are impacted by the environment. “We’re all human, people in Flint literally do not have clean water to drink. Why is having clean water for them, even a debate?” Davis said. Whether or not the people of Flint should have clean water or minorities should not have their health impacted by environmental racism should not be a political debate. It is an issue about human rights. Now the most crucial aspect is how we can be an ally and make an actual change in dealing with environmental injustice. People who live in these communities and people who live nowhere near these communities need to start caring if a change will happen.
“When a whole community comes together and voices their opinions, more than likely, they are going to be heard,” Davis said. “So when we are all together as a family fighting for one thing, it is extremely powerful.” Allen adds to this by stating, “I believe that sitting down and writing out your privileges shows you what you may not have been thinking of before. For example, most of us grew up with immediate access to water, but that is not the same case for everyone. Once we realize the privilege of access to clean water and air, we can then understand how to help others who may not have the same privilege in life. Being an ally means a lot of listening, empathy and service. You should want to help others have the access to a fair life.” We need to hold ourselves accountable and check our privilege when it comes to issues with environmental injustice. If we want actual change to happen, we must start in our own community. “It starts with using your voice in your own community! We should have a say in what we believe should be built around us. We must ensure community awareness regarding environmental issues and the decision-making processes in areas that affect their daily lives,” Allen said. Start fighting for environmental justice today by being an ally and educating yourself on the issue.
