In keeping with this semester's trend of spotlighting an important environmental topic each month, UC Sustainability events during the month of February covered topics within Environmental & Social Justice in unity with the nationally observed Black History Month.
The first event that took place this month was the second installment of Environmental Literacy Session 3, hosted by assistant sustainability coordinator Erin LeFever and highlighted topics within the subject of community. Topics covered included aspects of community, differences in what communities means to others, and how everyone can be a part of a sustainable society. Furthermore, it was discussed how the recent racial tensions in America have affected the nation's sense of community and democracy.
The next event was a film discussion on Whose Streets?, a documentary recap of the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown Jr. and subsequent community actions and outcry for legislation, education, and change. This discussion was cohosted by UC's African American Cultural and Resource Center (AACRC). The dialogue centered around how the film impacted the attendees' memory of that event and subsequent coverage, new concepts or ideas surrounding the incident or after, and the affect that any one single person can have in combatting racism.
This film is an important reminder that if there is not change created, history will repeat itself. This was exemplified only a few years later in the brutal public murder of George Floyd in 2020. It will take mass understanding and objection to push any real adjustment to the system, and it will all begin with individual citizens.
Again, this topic reminds all of us that sustainability, and subsequent betterment of society, can really only begin when there is an acceptance and agreement to transform what humanity looks like.
Additional Resources & Articles:
Watch the film Whose Streets? available on Kanopy with 6+2 sign-in (https://uc.kanopy.com/product/whose-streets)
A German city has created sleep pods for the homeless: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/55778733
Texas grid crisis exposes environmental justice rifts: https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063725725
Study Aims To Reduce Energy Disparities In Cincinnati's Multifamily Housing Stock - Regulated & Deregulated Energy Markets: https://infocastinc.com/market-insights/solar/regulated-deregulated-energy-markets/