From Slavery to Civil Rights and Environmental Racism

September 11, 2025

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has relaunched a global news series examining the transatlantic slave trade and its modern implications, with this installment focusing on environmental racism. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Who is affected

Black Americans and other people of color communities
Low-income communities of color with excessive rates of pollution-related illnesses
Black and Hispanic children who are more likely to develop asthma than their white peers
Residents of predominantly Black communities receiving different responses compared to predominantly white communities
Communities dealing with poor health, water contamination, or air pollution

What action is being taken

The National Newspaper Publishers Association is relaunching its global news feature series on the transatlantic slave trade
The Greenlining Institute and allies are working to design climate policies focused on underserved communities in California
Environmental justice advocates are addressing issues like those seen in Katrina and Flint
Some environmental organizations are increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

Why it matters

Environmental racism continues historical patterns of oppression against Black Americans
Studies show Black people are exposed to 1.5 times more air pollutants than whites, while Hispanics face 1.2 times the exposure
The EPA's enforcement of environmental regulations has dropped considerably under Pruitt, with civil rights cases particularly affected
Environmental boards, foundations, and campaigns lack diversity, leading to policies that value science over the well-being of Black and brown communities
Climate change denial often correlates with denial of racism, compounding the problem

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint