Environmental Justice and Race in the 21st Century

Environmental justice has become a significant issue in contemporary society, with communities often battling against landfills, incinerators, and chemical plants. This awareness was not present three decades ago. Notably, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. embarked on a mission for environmental and economic justice in 1968, advocating for striking black garbage workers who sought equal pay and improved working conditions. Tragically, he was assassinated before his mission could be fulfilled. A pivotal incident occurred in Houston in 1979, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by African-American homeowners against environmental hazards.