NSU-Led Partnership Models Environmental Justice in Norfolk’s Southside

Empowering Communities Through Environmental Initiatives

On a chilly winter morning, Jay Boone, founder of Keeping Us Secure and Prosperous (KUSP), busily tends to the vibrant plants at Prosperous Gardens located at the Berkley Community Center in Norfolk. This garden, abundant with collards, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale, is a testament to Boone’s vision of community development through green spaces.

Initiated due to a severe need for fresh produce and community-building, the Berkley area residents face environmental challenges from both adjacent industrial sites and frequent flooding. Boone observes, “Living here is challenging due to pollution and flooding. But providing green spaces can be even tougher under these conditions.”

The Environmental Justice Incubator

Recently, Boone’s efforts have been bolstered by an innovative partnership with local establishments, including Norfolk State University and the Elizabeth River Project, under the banner of an “environmental justice incubator.” A pivotal figure in this project, Cassandra Newby-Alexander, a history professor and endowed chair of Virginia Black history and culture at NSU, states the incubator’s intent is to offer systemic solutions to historically marginalized communities affected by environmental adversity.

Newby-Alexander emphasizes the importance of tackling ingrained issues rather than transient clean-up projects, noting; “Past efforts often ended once waterways were clear. But the root issues persist. We must understand these foundational problems to initiate lasting change.”

Defining Environmental Justice

Environmental justice ensures all communities receive equal treatment in environmental decision-making, and encompasses more than just greenery. It’s about addressing inequalities like polluting industries situating themselves within communities of color and preventing access during floods.

Newby-Alexander argues, “To rectify current injustices, we must first address our history. Segregated infrastructures, such as highways, often diminish accessibility for certain neighborhoods.”

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Solutions

Working closely with historically Black neighborhoods on Norfolk’s Southside, the partnership is focused on distinctive projects like Prosperous Gardens, aiming to draft best practices for environmental justice efforts nationwide.

“We’re not presenting fixes, but ensuring key considerations are addressed,” Newby-Alexander asserts.

The incubator stresses the community’s needs and historical perspective, preventing officials from bringing presumptive solutions that disregard local experiences. Newby-Alexander warns, “Ignoring the community’s persistent efforts is fundamentally disrespectful.”

Ru Williams, environmental justice coordinator for the Elizabeth River Project, echoes this sentiment, recounting a fishing event aimed at engaging Southside youth. Initially met with hesitance, success came through offering familiar, welcoming experiences like basketball games before introducing them to the river, thus enhancing their comfort.

Advocating at Institutional Levels

Local advocates are making strides by engaging in environmental justice dialogues with agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, bringing the discussion to a higher institutional level.

During a roundtable at NSU, Newby-Alexander advocated for comprehending the environment beyond physical attributes. “We focus too narrowly on trees, bushes, and water, overlooking that environments are also homes and communities.”

This holistic approach draws from various academic disciplines, including fine arts, under the guidance of Solomon Isekeije, an MFA professor. Isekeije encourages broad thinking among students about narratives surrounding environmental elements like watersheds.

The Broader Context of Environmental Justice

Chinedu Okala, an artist and associate dean at NSU’s College of Liberal Arts, reinforces this by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of environmental justice. “It’s about social, political, and economic dynamics, evaluating our dedication to upholding human dignity.”

Boone maintains hope for continued progress, summarizing, “Environmental justice is about more than clean air and grass. It’s deeply rooted in history and human experiences.”

• Tags: Environment & Sea Level Rise, Education news, Norfolk, Local government

Explore more stories and initiatives led by WHRO and their partners to see how environmental justice principles are actively being applied in communities like Norfolk’s Southside.

For additional insights into their work and upcoming projects, contact Katherine Hafner, WHRO’s climate and environment reporter.

Source: https://www.whro.org/environment/2025-01-16/nsu-led-partnership-working-on-a-model-for-environmental-justice