Join the Academy for a week of digital programs that define and explore environmental justice to commemorate the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Through live events, downloadable content and resource guides, explore the concept of environmental justice and why it is critical to the work we do at the Academy and how we serve our communities. Check out panel discussions, film screenings and lectures for adults. Kids can join with other children for conversations and storytelling as we navigate to inspire a more equitable future.

At the Academy, we believe that conversations around environmental justice are pivotal to our impact and relevance. We hope this week of programs will highlight the importance of environmental justice as it relates to the work we do every day through our research and education programs. By protecting our environment, we can all take steps to support access to safe, healthy places to live and work for everyone.

We know that the concept of environmental justice is as complicated as it is far-reaching. As the Academy begins to convene these critical conversations, we strive to learn more, too. Please join us on Facebook and Instagram to engage with us, ask what you’d like to know more about, and offer your own resources and recommendations to create a more just and equitable world for us all. 

2021 Highlights

Academy Conversation: What is Environmental Justice?
Monday, January 11, 2021
3 p.m.

Zoom;

What is environmental justice? Why is environmental justice important to you? For over 30 years, the environmental justice movement has been fighting the disproportionate risks that pollution poses to low-income populations and communities of color.

Join us for a free, virtual discussion on Zoom as we examine how environmental justice matters to us and our community.

Environmental Justice in Philadelphia and the PES Refinery
As part of the Green Infrastructure, Climate and Cities Series
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
4 p.m.

Zoom, open to the public

Presented by CCRUN via Drexel University College of Engineering

Join us for a discussion of the impacts of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery on its South Philadelphia Community.

In June 2019, the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) Refinery in South Philadelphia, the largest oil refinery on the East Coast, exploded and one month later filed for bankruptcy. The community surrounding the refinery has long been impacted by the emissions of the refinery, experiencing disproportionately high rates of asthma, cancer, and other chronic health issues. The explosion and subsequent bankruptcy and closure of the refinery has allowed for a unique opportunity to clean up and redevelop this 1,400-acre site.

The Clean Air Council in partnership with Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University have developed a report entitled "Visioning the Reuse of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery Complex" to begin to reimagine the future of the refinery site. Philly Thrive, a grassroots organization made up of residents near the refinery, have been active voices in centering the community's demands in the redevelopment of the site and advocating for a just transition to a fossil-fuel free future.

Speakers include Matt Walker, Advocacy Director of Clean Air Council; Harris Steinberg, Executive Director of the Lindy Institute at Drexel University; and representatives from Philly Thrive.

Where’s Rodney? Storytelling
Thursday, January 14, 2021
10 a.m.

Facebook Live

Presented in partnership with Drexel's Action for Early Learning

Cozy up to the computer with your listening ears and looking eyes for a special environmental justice-themed storytelling experience with Academy educator Mariah Romaninsky and some special friends. Join Rodney on a journey as he learns about the world beyond his neighborhood. “Where’s Rodney?” emphasizes observation skills and inquiry using the five senses.

All ages are welcome to listen along, but our friends ages 4-8 may enjoy this program the most.

Cooked: Survival By Zipcode
Thursday, January 14, 2021
7 p.m.

In Partnership with the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival

The concept of Environmental Justice can, at times, be vague and abstract. But there are occasions when that abstraction comes crashing down to reality. This occurred in Chicago during the summer of 1995. Perhaps you recall hearing of the 700 Chicagoans that perished during that summer’s heatwave. But most likely, you haven’t. Perhaps that is because those that lost their lives were largely people of color from the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago. Perhaps that is also more than just a correlation.

In partnership with the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival, we are offering the opportunity to view the film Cooked: Survival by Zip Code in its entirety and free of charge. Once registered you will be provided access to the film to view anytime during the 48 hours leading up to the panel discussion. After viewing the film, please join the film’s director, Judith Helfand, along with our diverse panel as they explore the themes, causes and consequences of environmental injustice explored in Cooked.

Live! From the Academy:#Philabag at Tinicum
Friday, January 15, 2021
1 p.m

Photo: Lamar Gore/USFWS 

In Partnership with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge .

Facebook Live

Did you know that America’s first urban wildlife refuge is free, open to the public AND right here in Philadelphia? Take a virtual field trip to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum with Academy educators and scientists to meet the caretakers of this incredible place. Discover how this urban refuge protects not only the plants and animals that live there but also serves the surrounding neighborhoods. Learn about the #Philabag initiative, educating Philadelphians about the travels of our trash, and how you can make an impact to address the problem of litter in our communities.

Ask the Scientists: Environmental Justice Conversation for Kids
Saturday, January 16, 2021
10 a.m.

Zoom; (livestreamed via Facebook)

What does environmental justice mean to our youngest citizens? What do they think about the issues facing our communities? What ideas do they have to help create a just and equitable world? Join Academy educators, Philadelphia experts and area community members for a kid-led conversation about environmental justice. Let your voice be heard, or listen and learn, as we explore what kids think and feel about their future. Find out ways to start meaningful conversations with family, friends and public officials on the topics that mean the most to you. This program is suitable for children ages 8-11 but all are welcome; for our younger guests, we request adult assistance to enable questioning.

This panel is moderated by Senior Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) Explainer Angie Albarouki, of String Theory Charter School, and features WINS Alumna Zakia Elliott, Program Manager at Philadelphia Climate Works.

Cheryl Beth Silverman Lecture Featuring Corina Newsome
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
6 p.m.

Zoom; free with registration

Fresh off her article in National Audubon Society Magazine: "It's Time to Build a Truly Inclusive Outdoors,"  Corina will expand on the idea of underrepresented communities being exposed to wildlife sciences in conservation, environmental education and exploration of the natural world. She will share her thoughts in a virtual conversation and take questions from our guests for a live, interactive conversation.

Corina earned her B.A. in Zoo and Wildlife Biology at Malone University in Canton, OH, and is presently working on her M.Sc. in Biology at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. This year Corina received the 2020 Averitt Award for Research Excellence from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA.

Environmental Justice from PEACE

Got a minute? Academy Women In Natural Sciences (WINS) Explainers will teach us five ways to be environmental justice warriors through PEACE: Participate, Educate, Advocate, Communicate and Elevate. From getting involved in their communities to amplifying unheard voices, the WINS exemplify how environmental justice lets us rise together. Learn more about these young women’s experiences working with Academy staff and scientists. Find out how WINS provides them the knowledge to make informed decisions about their education and careers so they can be role models for their communities.

Environmental Justice Family Resource Guide

Are you interested in learning more about environmental justice but not sure where to start? This guide features suggested reading for all ages, recommended websites and media and conversation starters for kids and families. Talking about inequities can be difficult no matter where you live or who you are, but challenging conversations help us grow. Learning is the first step towards building the equitable future we all deserve.

Click here to download the guide.

Museum Pass Memberships for Community Partners

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is proud to offer expanded museum memberships to area libraries and community centers, beginning January 1, 2021. Community members can borrow a museum pass from neighborhood organizations to receive free general admission to the Academy for two adults and up to five children.

For more information on this program, please contact Katie Marquardt, Manager of Membership and Appeals, at marquardt@ansp.org or 215-299-1022.