Environmental Justice

Literacy Loop © 2023 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Jason Killinger and Jenna Robb, Farrell Elementary School, 8300 Castor Avenue . Photo by Steve Weinik.

About Environmental Justice 

Environmental hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities, especially communities of color. In an effort to rectify and activate around Environmental Justice issues, the EJ Department facilitates two types of projects: (1) projects that come directly from communities, centering their visions, expertise, and knowledge, and (2) projects that directly support the environmental and climate justice movement. Among other strategies, we provide technical expertise for creative interventions to support movement building, and use public art as the vehicle for narrative framing. To imagine and practice a more just future, projects must prioritize dismantling the systems that maintain these disparities and build relational networks, both in their goals and in their practice.

Goals

  • Environmental and Climate Justice
  • Community Capacity Building and Distributive Leadership
  • Horizontal Collaborations
  • Care and Reknitting Social Fabric

Right to the City 

David Harvey defines the “right to the city” as “a right to change ourselves by changing the city.” Read more about how this philosophy helps shape the direction of Environmental Justice.