Examining the Intersection of Race, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice

ABOUT THE EVENT

Environmental racism is a public health crisis. This webinar will explore the intersection of climate change, sustainability, and public health. Specifically, we will examine how environmental factors impact individuals’ health and well-being. Using data derived from evidence-based research, we will discuss how environmental racism disproportionately burdens low-wealth and black and brown communities, and we will identify how various policies and draconian practices are contributing to health disparities.

Information provided will help participants better understand the critical role various sectors should play in mitigating the climate crisis and improving the well-being of the populations they serve. Attendees will be provided climate change mitigation strategies to advocate for health equity and improve health outcomes.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
– Define environmental racism and the historical context for this practice
– Explain how unsustainable practices are contributing to the public health crisis
– Describe the cumulative impact of environmental externalities impacting black and brown communities
– Identify inclusive climate mitigation strategies to improve health and achieve environmental justice

MEET YOUR SPEAKER
Crystal Dixon is an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Health and Exercise Science (HES) at Wake Forest University (WFU). Dixon is appointed as a collaborating faculty member in the African American Studies program at WFU. Recently, she became the first Black Teaching Professional to be promoted to the Associate rank in the history of HES at WFU.

Dixon’s academic research and scholarship explores the intersection of environmental racism, sustainability, and public health. Recently, Dixon was appointed as a Steering Committee member for the Race, Inequality, and Policy Initiative (RIPI) at WFU, where she advocates to elevate voices of frontline communities to discuss issues of environmental injustice.

As the Founder of Mango Consulting, Dixon consults on matters of sustainability, environmental injustices, and public health. She provides organizations guidance on integrating sustainable practices within their workspace. Her goal is to show the link between unsustainable practices and public health. Some of her clients include Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NASA, among others. Dixon has received awards and recognition for her impact.

Dixon was invited by Melissa Harris-Perry to join the team at The Anna Julia Cooper Center where she assists with the production of livestreams in collaboration with The Nation, Community Change, among other partners. During her studies at WFU, Dixon completed an independent study with Harris-Perry entitled, “Hip-Hop, Feminism, and Public Health,” where she explored the intersection of environmental factors, artistic expression, and systemic racism. Dixon’s reputation has landed her an opportunity to co-teach with Harris-Perry a course at WFU entitled, POL210: Race, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice.

Dixon also serves as a Governing Councilor of the Environment section within the American Public Health Association (APHA) where she co-authored and passed the first policy statement to address the lack of oversight of COVID-19 medical waste as an environmental justice issue. Dixon has contributed to research funded by the National Institutes of Health, NASA, and has co-authored several publications. Dixon has been invited to present her research at organizations, such as the American Public Health Association and the Food and Drug Administration. Dixon also serves as an advisee to the EPA Local Government Advisory Committee.

Dixon currently serves on The Partnership Project and CleanAIRE NC Board of Directors where she advocates for health equity and environmental justice.