Over the past several decades urban communities across the United States have begun to face new environmental challenges, and the stubborn persistence of older issues. But at the same time, an emerging of activists have been organizing to address the immediate concerns of toxic water and air, and the long-term threats of urban heat waves, rising sea-levels, oil and gas infrastructure. Their work is vital and offers environmental history teachers, scholars and students opportunities for creative engagement and collaboration, and a new model for what a grassroots, inclusive, and justice focused form of environmentalism can look like in the twenty-first century. This panel will focus on the voices of activists from Cincinnati, Newark and Philadelphia, discussing their organizations and experiences, and offering up perspective on the best approaches and modes for connection and collaboration with scholars and students.

Sponsored by the ASEH Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CODIE)

This discussion will feature representatives from:

Groundwork Ohio River Valley

Newark Water Coalition

Newark Education Workers Caucus

Philly Thrive

Moderated by Sara Grossman, Bryn Mawr College