What Climate Justice Looks Like

http://www.ejcc.org/biking-for-justice-recap-of-the-chocolate-city-freedom-ride/

http://www.ustream.tv/user/Checktheweather

Marrico Gill is a community organizer with the STEPS coalition a local environmental justice organization working to empower and inform communities about the port expansion and other environmental justice issues facing the Gulf Coast. For more information please visit www.stepscoalition.org 

Falon Shackelford explains the importance of the Chocolate City Freedom Ride; an Environmental Justice tour of Washington, DC. Check out the event flier below:

http://www.stepscoalition.org/?page_id=422

What is Environmental Justice? A video by TheEJCC Class One Fellow Stephawn Spears.

Read this post from Class 2 fellow, Falon Shackelford. 

Marrico Gill submitted this photo post of an action during the Artful Activism training hosted April 9-12, 2012 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Participants created a balloon message asking for Jobs in the gulf coast town. 

Marrico Gill is working with the STEPS coalition to host Artful Activism an inter-generational training on techniques for creative, non-violent direct action. The Event is slated from April 9-12, 2012 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Read the article about the meeting via Gulfport local news station WLOX here: http://gulfport.wlox.com/news/events/54291-port-gulfport-expansion-update-and-status-meeting-tonight

My trip to South Africa was one to remember. The first moment I stepped foot on to the continent's soil I felt a sense of peace. It was overwhelming to first realize that I was in another country not to mention it was my first time out of the United States. We arrived in Durban through the King Shaka Airport and it was an airport that was just beautiful upon arrival. Just the name alone made me realize that I truly am in South Africa. Durban had a country type feel to it. It was very spacious and unindustrialized. Although they have some areas of construction going on through out the city, it was nothing but greenery none the less. One site to visit while in Durban is the tomb of King Shaka Zulu. It’s on the other side of the airport in a more secluded neighborhood but it isn’t hard to miss. What was a plus was that I was able to see and walk on the land and place where Shaka Zulu is buried. What was sad was that his tomb isn’t in an area where a king or a person of his stature should be. It was very sad to see his burial site but at the same time being there next to him was an experience in its self. The African people were all helpful and very friendly. I love the African Hospitality that was shown. The hotel we stayed in was in Durban and I must say the people and staff there have found a life time friend in me and I in them. It was so great to be there I felt like I was in a home and not a hotel. As the conference began a lot was going on about REDD and the Kyoto Protocol and what the U.S and China and some other big countries were going to do about their carbon footprints. I felt more aware of how serious the environmental problems are around the world, especially Environmental Justice. We then took a weekend trip to Cape Town where I had the best time and had to be where I found the most insight throughout the whole trip. In Cape Town I was able to visit Robben Island, The Botanical Gardens, Table Top Mountain, Gold of Africa, Cape Of Good Hope and Groot Constantia. The places that stood out the most were of course Robben Island the prison where Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. I was able to see the cell he was placed in as well as sit in the same area he sat when he wrote his book Long Walk to Freedom. Not only was that but the tour giving by a former political prosisoner who gave us a little insight on what truly happened during his years and some of Mandela’s years. I was so overwhelmed with just being there, I felt every emotion and just every good feeling came all at once. We also went visit one of the 7 wonders of the world Table Top Mountain which covers the whole surrounding area of Cape Town. All I could say is it’s a site to see to be that high above everything. Then we were able to visit Johannesburg which some say it’s like the New York of South Africa. I was able to see Nelson Mandela Square and see his 50 foot statue of him. Just the thought that they named a Mall o park place after this great African black man was just beyond mind blowing. I really enjoyed meeting new friends and hanging with the people who came along the trip with me. I am grateful for Dr. Wright and Dr. Bullard for all their hard work and love that they share with the students and the Environmental Justice movement.

Would Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approve of your day of service? Read this reflection in honor of Martin Luther King Day from Class 1 fellow Falon Shackelford.