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The Environmental Justice for All Tour

Of all the injustices that exist in our country and in our world, environmental injustice is one of the most flagrant and dangerous. While the general public may not be aware of it, scientists and environmentalists alike have known for years that minority and low-income populations suffer disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects. Take, for instance, Buffalo’s generally low-income Hispanic community, whose rates of asthma from Peace Bridge traffic are astronomical. Or the folks who moved into Hickory Woods in South Buffalo years ago. In many cases, the populations most impacted by pollution are least able to effect positive change for themselves, because they’ve been marginalized by their financial and social status. The Environmental Justice For All Tour is a collaborative attempt by more than 70 environmental, social justice, public health, human rights and worker’s rights groups to change all of that through direct action. For the week beginning September 24, three bus caravans will tour the United States, taking politicians, health researchers and activists to communities suffering from toxic pollution. This Sunday, the Northeast caravan kicks off its tour in Buffalo with an excursion to “the good, the bad and the ugly” of toxic waste sites in Buffalo, including 858 E. Ferry Street, Cheektowaga’s Toxic Triangle and Seneca-Babcock. The two-hour tour will begin and end at The Church on Delaware Ave., and will be followed by a speech about environmental justice, a panel discussion and a fair featuring community groups and activist organizations.

Sunday, September 24 at Noon. Righteous Babe’s The Church, 341 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.