The Title of the Presentation is: #EnvironmentalJustice.Now

A bit of context: This research and digital media project began in Kishauna Soljours fall course: HUM 580: Social Movement, Media and Justice. 

Abstract Excerpt: The dynamic relationship between social justice movements and social media has had a profound impact on society and political systems. My project #EnvironmentalJustice.Now recognizes the human right to clean air and water. It seeks to raise awareness of environmental injustices locally and nationally. Inspired by the Environmental Justice For All Act (first introduced to Congress March 18th, 2021), this proposed legislation provided a federal definition for environmental justice and engaged local instances of environmental racism. Historically, communities impacted by environmental racism have been excluded from political debates and policies that affect their daily lives. My research proposes that solutions must be transformative rather than reactionary.

I developed a social media campaign to promote initiatives, information and petitions advocating for environmental justice. Focusing specifically in San Diego, #Environmental Justice.Now examines the results of environmental racism in Barrio Logan. This community is cited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as more at risk of respiratory illness due to diesel truck pollution. Yet, companies like companies like Mitsubishi Cement Corporation continue to appeal to build within the neighboring community. Using a mixed methods approach, this social media campaign supported the mission of the Environmental Health Coalition of San Diego by conducting an interview with a local resident and activist in support of the Environmental Justice For All Act, providing bi-weekly updates for the community and promoting offline engagement by attending and advertising in-person community engagements. To quantify the project’s impact, social media analytics were used to track engagement and test SMART goals. #Environmental Justice.Now exemplifies the role that social media can have as a model tool for social justice activism.