Community Voices for Action
Harnessing the Power of Environmental Justice Storytelling
Stories for Change
The stories we tell matter, and they shape what we believe is possible. Dominant narratives about environmental injustice make it appear as if individuals and communities don’t have the power to challenge systemic inequities and injustice. But people across the nation are collectively taking action to protect our air, water, and the land that sustains us. Communities are creating positive, lasting changes, using personal stories and lived experiences to understand and respond to environmental injustices. Based on these stories, people nationwide can work together to generate new narratives that support health and well-being for all.
While everyone is affected by environmental issues, certain communities are disproportionately impacted (such as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and tribal communities). The wisdom of these communities is essential to the environmental justice movement, and to learning what actions to take to create collective, enduring change.
The History and Resilience of the Ramapough Lenape Nation
In this first story from Community Voices for Action, explore photos, maps, and recordings to learn how the Ramapough Lenape Nation is leading an alliance with NYU Grossman School of Medicine to address environmental and health justice.
Five Communities Share Their Wisdom
The AAMC Center for Health Justice is committed to amplifying the voices of all communities and sharing their insights for environmental justice action. The Center has selected five diverse organizations from across the United States to tell their stories about an environmental injustice where they live and how they have worked with their communities to create a healthier, more just environment. Through their stories, others can learn from their experience. The organizations are:
Stay tuned as we share these inspiring, multimedia stories. Subscribe to the Center for Health Justice newsletter to get the stories delivered to your inbox.