People for Community Recovery

??? The Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance is here, let’s pass it. ?? ?? Call your alderperson and tell them to pass the Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance NOW. Our communities deserve clean air, safe water, and a just future! ?? to find your alderman: https://lnkd.in/evAcxrY ?? Learn about the Cumulative Impacts Assessment and the data collected by the City of Chicago with the help of local organizations used to build this ordinance by clicking the ??: https://lnkd.in/e_ukFa6B ?? Let’s honor the mother of environmental justice and continue to dismantle environmental racism on the South Side of Chicago.

Our work rests on the shoulders of giants and climate heroes like Hazel M. Johnson, the "Mother of Environmental Justice" and founder of People for Community Recovery. This #BlackHistoryMonth, we find strength and inspiration in her work and devotion to justice. -- Full quote: “Every day, I complain, protest and object. But it takes such vigilance and activism to keep legislators on their toes and government accountable to the people on environmental issues. I’ve been thrown in jail twice for getting in the way of big business. But I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop as long as I’m breathing. … If we want a safe environment for our children and grandchildren, we must clean up our act, no matter how hard a task it might be.”

Our first #BlackVoicesinRenewables spotlight is the “Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement,” Hazel M. Johnson. Hazel’s fierce advocacy in Chicago’s South Side shined a light on toxic pollution in marginalized neighborhoods and galvanized the modern environmental justice movement. By founding People for Community Recovery, she successfully advanced the fight for cleaner air, water, and healthier communities, inspiring future generations to stand up for environmental equity. At WRISE, we’re proud to honor Hazel M. Johnson’s pioneering spirit—her legacy fuels our own commitment to an equitable, inclusive, and diverse clean energy future for all. Stay tuned for more profiles of extraordinary Black voices in renewables as we continue celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth!

????? Honoring Black History. Fighting for Environmental Justice. ????? This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the powerful work of our grantee partner, People for Community Recovery (PCR)—an organization rooted in advocacy, education, and action. PCR is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in communities impacted by environmental pollution, fighting for environmental and climate justice, safe and affordable housing, economic equity, and community health. JGF, proudly supports organizations like PCR that align with our vision of a just world—one where hope is renewed, socio-economic mobility is possible, and unity and healing thrive within individuals, communities, and the environment. ???? Black history is community history. Black history is environmental history. Black history is NOW. ???? Join us in celebrating the changemakers working toward a healthier, more just future! #BlackHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityPower #JulianGraceFoundation #PeopleForCommunityRecovery #ClimateJustice #HopeInAction

????? Black Leaders Shaping the Future of Forestry & Environmental Justice ????? This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re not just looking back—we’re celebrating the changemakers making history today in the fight for greener, healthier, and more resilient communities. ?? Why does it matter? ??? Neighborhoods with fewer trees face worse extreme heat, poor air quality, and fewer health benefits—deepening environmental inequities. ?? Urban forestry and climate justice leaders are ensuring trees, clean air, and green spaces are accessible to all. ?? This month, we honor the trailblazers leading the way: ?? Jerome Foster II – Climate justice activist amplifying youth voices in the fight for environmental equity. ??? Heads Up Houston – Creating green spaces and empowering communities through urban forestry initiatives. ?? People for Community Recovery – Fighting for environmental justice and healthier neighborhoods for decades. ?? Adella Bass-Lawson – Pioneering work in forestry and natural resource conservation. Forests are for everyone. Equity in tree cover is equity in health, safety, and climate resilience. ?? Learn more & celebrate those making a difference! #BlackHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalJustice #UrbanForestry #ClimateEquity #GreenCommunities #ForestsForAll #TreeEquity #ClimateJustice

Black leaders' contributions to elevating climate justice are worth recognizing. Hazel Johnson is credited by many to be the Mother of Environmental Justice. The Chicago resident left an impact that continues today in the work that's being done by her nonprofit, People for Community Recovery, and organizations around the country. Learn more about Hazel: https://bit.ly/3X8nfeR #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryis365 #BlackClimateWeek

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re amplifying the voices of leaders like Adella Bass, who are fighting for healthier communities. Adella has spent her life in Altgeld Gardens on Chicago’s South Side, where rising summer heat is hitting harder every year. Without access to resources like central air, she’s felt firsthand the health impacts of extreme heat. "People are really burning in our community," she says. ?? As the health equity director for People for Community Recovery, Adella’s work is vital in advocating for change. Learn more about her story: https://lnkd.in/dDFwJgKQ?

This Black History Month, Verdani is spotlighting Black climate activists who have explored the link between climate justice and racial justice.? For our final post in our Black History Month series, we are honoring the woman often referred to as the “mother of the environmental justice movement,” Hazel M. Johnson.?? ? In 1979, Johnson founded People for Community Recovery, which continues to operate today, to address issues of climate injustice impacting her community – including health issues within her family. In her tenure as an environmental activist, she pushed for abating environmental pollutants that disproportionately impact communities of color and mentored younger generations interested in the cause, including future president Barack Obama. Johnson spoke at the inaugural National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in 1991, and the following year, President George H.W. Bush presented her with the Environment and Conservation Challenge award. In 1994, Johnson was personally invited by President Bill Clinton to the signing of Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.?? ? Hazel M. Johnson’s legacy advocating for environmental justice, and its inextricable link to racial justice, is unparalleled. As we approach the close of Black History Month, Verdani encourages you to herald the Black climate leaders of today and yesterday and renew your own commitment to racial and environmental justice.?

Since the beginning, Black communities and organizations throughout the Midwest have been at the forefront of #environmentaljustice. In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, we wanted to highlight some of our incredible partner orgs who are leading the way in Black liberation in their communities by building vibrant environmental futures. Featuring WE THE PEOPLE OF DETROIT || People for Community Recovery || A Red Circle || Victory Garden Initiative || Blacks In Green || DETROIT BLACK COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY NETWORK INC || Ujima STL ...and that's just the beginning--we couldn't fit everyone in one post! ?? If you're one of our current grantees and you want us to feature your org work this week in honor of #BHM, comment below ????????????

"DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a responsibility. White led environmental nonprofits, must acknowledge that we have risen up THRU and BECAUSE of the struggle and strategies of Black, Indigenous, and frontline communities that came before us." Keep on learning this #BlackHistoryMonth and onwards! Here are some Black activists and environmental justice leaders that have shaped the movement ?? Follow their work at: People for Community Recovery Majora Carter Group, LLC Deep South Center for Environmental Justice https://lnkd.in/ejBitp9x