The CCTS is proud to present the next CEI Perspectives event, which will be held virtually on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 10AM-12PM. This thought-provoking discussion will focus on environmental justice and its profound implications for communities across Birmingham, the CCTS Partner Network, and beyond.
Through presentations and discussion facilitated by a panel of esteemed experts, this event will provide a platform for varied perspectives on environmental justice issues as well as potential solutions.
We are grateful to host the following individuals to lead this important discussion:
Moderator - Abigail Franks, Programs and Policy Manager, Southeast Climate & Energy Network
Abigail Franks is a passionate advocate for transforming the South into a sustainable and resilient region through climate mitigation and adaptation policies. A Summa Cum Laude graduate from UAB with a B.A in Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Ecology, she has worked with People’s Justice Council and Black Warrior Riverkeeper, among other organizations.
Katie Fagan, MSc, MA, Outreach Coordinator, Black Warrior Riverkeeper
Katie Fagan is a Birmingham native who joined AmeriCorps and Black Warrior Riverkeeper in September 2020. Upon completing her AmeriCorps service in July 2021, Katie joined Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s staff as Outreach Coordinator. Katie also serves on the Junior Board of the Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. She recently graduated with an MA in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights from UAB where she focused on environmental justice issues in Birmingham, and the country more broadly. She also has an MSc in Environmental Governance from the University of Manchester in the UK, and a BA in Sociology from Hendrix College.
Charles Powell, President and Founding Director, People Against Neighborhood Industrial Contamination (PANIC)
Charles Powell is a 43-year-resident of the Fairmont neighborhood in Birmingham and a fierce advocate for environmental issues in the city. In 2009, the world changed for him as he founded People Against Neighborhood Industrial Contamination (PANIC) and for four predominantly African-American neighborhoods in Northern Birmingham: Harriman Park, Fairmont, Collegeville and North Birmingham that were affected by toxic air pollution. Powell’s fight against the environmental injustices that neighborhood residents continue to face with pollution represents the incredible strength of character for people who refuse to let unjust corporate practices take away their quality of life.
Jilisa Milton, JD, MSW, Deputy Director - Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships, Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (G.A.S.P)
Jilisa Milton is an experienced civil rights attorney, policy analyst, and racial justice activist who has been involved with several grassroots organizations and initiatives, including Black Lives Matter Birmingham Chapter and Yellowhammer Fund. She is also the Vice-President of the board of National Lawyers Guild and has engaged with media internationally on topics related to social justice, police reform, and movement strategy.
Veena B. Antony, MD, Principal Investigator and Director, UAB Superfund Research Program | Professor of Medicine and Environmental Health Science
Dr. Veena Antony is a pulmonologist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and leads the UAB Superfund Research Program which addresses environmental airborne pollution with heavy metals and its impact on respiratory health and environmental degradation.
Mark your calendars and register here! We look forward to seeing you online on March 30th for this important dialogue.
Written by Robert Brown, March 27, 2023.