Environmental & Social Justice

With environmental science being the least diverse field in STEM, Regan Patterson co-founded Black in Environment to build community and increase representation for Black folks across environmental realms. Timnit Kefela is a co-organizer. In honor of Black History Month, we asked them a few questions about the project. We are excited to share about their achievements and look forward to Black in Environment Week 2022!

“It’s both an exciting and daunting time to step into this role,” Colleen said. “Bold action on the climate crisis is urgently needed. I’m humbled to have this opportunity to expand the center’s collaborations with frontline communities, policymakers and others to help advance solutions.”

“This really has to do with discriminatory planning processes in which communities of color and low-income communities are often located near ports, major roadways and distribution centers, and so therefore are disproportionately exposed to diesel exhaust,” Regan says.

In this new role, Demi will support The Erol Foundation's climate action and climate solution philanthropic portfolios.

This past summer, homes in Detroit were flooded with up to five feet of sewage backup after heavy rains dumped six inches of water overnight. It took weeks and more than $10,000 (not reimbursed by insurance) for my home in East English Village to be restored to a livable condition.

Check out the books authored, edited or co-authored by Switzer Fellows in 2021 and dive into topics such as Indigenous teachings, the biology of climate change and sustainable urban planning.

Grant's new role will help implement a new environmental justice law passed in Washington, the HEAL Act, and join an interagency environmental justice council.

“Throughout the country, urban freeways were routed through Black neighborhoods, resulting in the malicious division and forced displacement of Black neighborhoods, as well as local Black economies,” said Regan Patterson.