Environmental Racism in Richmond, Virginia | Documentary Film
In the U.S.A, a 2018 study found that on average people of color faced a 28% higher health burden compared to the general population due to living in proximity to facilities emitting particulate pollution like soot. For Black Americans, a 54% greater health burden was reported.
Created by Outspoken Narrative and Green Teenz RVA, this short documentary film discusses environmental racism in the context of Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. Speaking with community advocates, Jovanni and Brianne, this film looks at how environmental racism is impacting people on a daily basis, some of the underlying causes, and what Richmond’s Sustainability Office (and individuals) can do to help.
Environmental Racism is a term used to describe the disproportionate burden of environmental hazards placed on people of color. This oppression is often achieved systemically, through policies and practices that effectively place low-income and communities of color in close proximity to polluting facilities like power stations, plastics plants, and methane gas pipelines or to infrastructure like major highways. (Climate Reality Project).
In the 1930s, federal officials redlined these neighborhoods in Richmond, Va., marking them as risky investments because residents were Black. Today, they are some of the hottest parts of town in the summer, with few trees and an abundance of heat-trapping pavement. (Source: New York Times)
“One morning, I was walking, and usually I’m walking through Jackson Ward and down towards the northside area. And I realised that the area is different. The air is lighter, you’re able to breathe better. Even my running and my walking, you can look at my stats, and see how I’m faster. How my heart rate is better and all of that. And I couldn’t figure it out until I started to do research about the air quality, and I realized it’s because we don’t have enough greenspace, we don’t have enough trees. We have so much brick and mortar and concrete and all of these things we were talking about that are causing so many issues.”
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation would often give Black and other minority neighborhoods C or D grades, indicating that those communities were “declining” or “hazardous”. Such a grade prevented the distribution of loans and other forms of investment in those areas. Houses became neglected, and by extension, industrial sites took advantage and began polluting those areas. Map Source: Nelson, Winling, Marciano, Connolly, et al., Mapping Inequality
Outspoken Narrative is a docuseries studio created by an international team of students, youth creators, and young activists from across the world. Across their short-films, docuseries, and photography, they directly interview and centre the individuals involved in the stories they tell, showcasing the hidden narratives leading the fight to protect the earth.
“We are a youth-run team revolutionizing the way stories are told. By interviewing incredible individuals and bringing together the most talented storytellers of our generation, we cover impactful conservation subjects of today.”
Green Teenz RVA is a youth organisation based in Richmond, Virginia.
EcoResolution aims to inspire and educate by sharing stories, campaigns, projects and creations from communities across the world. If you have a story to share, contact us here.
