Environmental Justice and Community Recovery

Cheryl Johnson, executive director of People for Community Recovery, recounted how her mother founded the organization after her father's death from cancer, canvassing a South Side Chicago public housing community with pollution complaint forms, and how national organizing led to the term "environmental justice," its 17 principles and a federal executive order. She described lead and asbestos abatement training, PCB cleanups, recycling and renewable energy plans, then answered audience questions on polluters, regulation, coalition work and electoral pressure.