MISSION
Our mission is to cultivate a regional network of Black people and organizations to confront the root causes of environmental injustice and racism. We identify, uplift, and advance solutions that promote the equitable sustainability of Black communities.
VISION
Allegheny County is a region where Black people flourish, liberated from environmental threats and communities are sustainably equipped to determine their own futures.
51%
Although Black communities represent just 1/8th of Allegheny County, they account for 51% of the census tracts labeled "disadvantaged" or "environmental justice" areas, due to poverty, unemployment, lack of infrastructure, and increased exposure to environmental toxins.
3.1
More than 10,000 people in Black communities live within approximately 3.1 miles of major polluting sites, including hazardous waste facilities, Risk Management Plan facilities, and Superfund sites—abandoned areas heavily contaminated with hazardous waste.
77%
Black communities rank in the 96th percentile for adults suffering from chronic asthma and in the 77th percentile for cancer risk, driven by exposure to air toxics from regional pollution. The combination of environmental hazards and structural racism often leads to severe health complications, with life-threatening —and sometimes fatal— consequences for those affected.
As Black populations in Allegheny County become more transient, individuals and families are settling in areas where they face increasing vulnerability to environmental hazards and avoidable health risks. These factors, among others, have rendered regional Black populations less resilient and less responsive to the challenges posed by climate change.
Since 2018, the Black Environmental Collective has spotlighted the cumulative effects of industrial pollution and environmental racism. With over 100 network members, this coalition equips Black communities with the tools to overcome environmental challenges, advocate for sustainable initiatives, and push for legislative actions that directly improve their quality of life. This interdisciplinary network is uniquely positioned to support environmentally impacted communities in voicing their experiences, shaping healthier narratives, and creating pathways toward sustainable futures.
With the backing of local Black leaders and in collaboration with regional Black organizations, participation in the Black Environmental Collective represents a dedicated commitment to advancing a healthy, sustainable, and progressive future for Black communities.
Collective Beliefs
We seek to challenge existing narratives by centering human experiences, fostering resilience beyond survival, and advocating for the inclusion and celebration of young voices. With transparency and a focus on sustainable, transformational relationships, we aim to build a future where Black communities thrive and lead the way in shaping an equitable and transparent environmental landscape.
Lived experience and formal education are distinct yet valuable forms of knowledge; each playing a crucial role in fostering a comprehensive understanding of our environment and the world.
Affirmation
Resilience is not enough. Communal healing and social reparation are essential to shift environmental justice communities from survival to vibrant thriving
Healing
Our success requires a human-centered approach built on connections that acknowledge the complete range of feelings, identities, and experiences of Black people.
Empathy
Challenge prevailing narratives and address flawed assumptions about the "why" and "how" within the environmental space.
Disruption
Black people need safe spaces where they can effectively utilize their voices, exert influence, wield power, and exercise agency.
Power
Black communities impacted by systemic injustice are entitled to resources, data, and political transparency concerning their health, the environment, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change.
Transparency
We prioritize relationships that transcend immediate transactions or instant gratification approaches to community engagement.
Transformation
Young voices matter! They deserve respect, support, and encouragement to instigate the changes they aspire to make. Age or limited experience are not reasons for fear or dismissal; rather, they are assets to be included and celebrated.
Sustainability
Black Environmental Collective
Recent Highlights!
The Collective in the News
The news articles highlight the work of The Collective, a group dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Black environmental community. The Collective's initiatives focus on addressing environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect Black communities, advocating for sustainable practices, and building a network of activists, scholars, and community leaders. Through their efforts, they aim to raise awareness about the intersection of racial justice and environmentalism, pushing for systemic changes that ensure a healthier, more equitable future for marginalized communities impacted by climate change and environmental degradation.
Recent Highlights!
