Today the Presbyterian Center in Louisville led a Justice Walk in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.  The theme was “On Being A Good Neighbor: Reflections on Louisville’s Underground Railroad, Immigrant Activism, and Faith in Community.”  The walk was inspiring, and made me think of ways that we can honor Dr. King’s life and work in the environmental community. 

Environmental racism takes place in communities throughout the United States.  According to the “Environmental Racism: an ecumenical study guide,” from the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, studies have found:

• That race is a larger determining factor than class in placing hazardous and toxic sites.
• When companies are caught polluting, communities of color receive slower and less effective responses from governmental agencies.
• Companies in communities of color receive cheaper fines for polluting than their counterparts in white neighborhoods.
• People of color face worse health problems due to environmental pollution: asthma, cancer, birth defects.
• People of color have less access to health care, information, means of participation, and economic and political influence in the processes of environmental decisions, laws, and policies.

This is injustice.  Dr. King believed that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  Let us do our part to learn about the injustice of environmental racism, educate others, and work against it in our communities.  The NCC resource on environmental racism is a good place to start.  Use it in your church to learn about the issue and become aware of ways in which you can take action.