latest news
Big Win! Environmental Justice is Now the Law in Massachusetts
For over twenty years, ACE has been fighting for environmental justice, and as of last week, it’s official: we now have environmental justice protection on the books statewide, after Governor Baker signed the Climate Bill into law.
Our Fight Changes Under President Biden, but It’s Still a Fight
I breathed a small sigh of relief when I saw Joe Biden officially sworn in -- and I’m excited to see Kamala Harris breaking down barriers as the first woman, Black person, and Asian-American as Vice President. It’s important that President Trump’s fascist attempt ended in failure.
But I want us to be honest about what this new president means: our fight for environmental justice has changed, but it’s definitely still a fight.
MLK’s Legacy for Environmental Justice
This weekend, like many of you, I’ve been reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ACE likely wouldn’t exist or at least wouldn’t look the same if it weren’t for Dr. King and the other civil rights leaders who understood that environmental justice is inherently intertwined with civil rights. The birth of the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement was a direct response to environmental racism and was heavily influenced by the Civil Rights Movement.
Black Unemployment and the Coming Economic Crisis
Black unemployment, particularly for Black men, has been accepted as fact for so long that our policymakers now just mostly ignore it. That has to stop, now.
Racism is a Chronic Illness
Right now, our entire ACE community is grieving George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and so many others who have been oppressed and killed by racism and racist systems. We stand with our youth, our elders and everyone in between who is rising up to demand justice.
Testimony: A Day at the Roxbury Environmental Empowerment Project (REEP)
Walking into the small room that serves as our idea hub, the walls are full (as they always were) with ideas for the future. My attention is instantly drawn to the oval table in the center of the room and the lively discussion that my peers are engaging in.
We can bring about Fair Housing And Civil Rights in our neighborhoods today
Are you frustrated with the constant negative impacts city and state decisions, policies and laws have in Roxbury? The administration's commitment to build new housing and “increase the overall housing stock” forces most of our communities to move to wherever they can afford.
On a Clear Day
It’s astounding what the power of two people can do to change a world. Two people traveled to our fair Commonwealth from Europe to attend a conference and a silent outbreak began.
They then went to parties, traveled about the region and boarded planes to other states and countries, unintentionally spreading the covert CoVid 19 virus.
Hit First And Worst’: Region’s Communities Of Color Brace For Climate Change Impacts
Lee Matsueda, the political director at Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE), stressed the role of communities themselves in the solution-building process. “We have to let affected communities decide what solutions we implement and where we put our limited resources,” said Matsueda.
MBTA Hears Concerns in Chelsea
The MBTA held a public meeting at City Hall seeking input on its public engagement plan that at times became an opportunity for T customers to speak up on the variety of issues they see with transit service.