About Us

What does NCEJN do?

The North Carolina Environmental Justice Network works to empower affected communities through organized forums, conferences, and the support of member advocates on issues relevant to environmental disasters, which negatively impact their health and quality of life.

NCEJN History

In 1997, following a meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC) at North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC), a few concerned citizens, activists, academics, and attorneys gathered to discuss forming a committee to address Environmental Justice (EJ) issues in North Carolina.

Although Environmental Justice had been a part of their work already, and some were active in the African American Environmental Justice Action Network (AAEJAN-based in Atlanta, GA), it became evident that an Environmental Justice Summit was needed to solely address the environmental degradation suffered by poor communities and communities of color in NC. The groundwork was laid for the First Annual NCEJ summit.

After that initial meeting, additional concerned individuals, organizations, and state agencies were invited to help plan and support the summit. The NCEJ Network grew out of the 1st Annual NC Environmental Justice Summit held in 1998 at the Historical Franklinton Center at Bricks.

NCEJN Philosophy

We understand that when people are poor and/or "of color", they are perceived as powerless.

Such communities are often viewed as the "avenue of least resistance," and are; therefore, considered as perfect areas for landfills, hog factories, chip mills, sludge plants, and hazardous waste dumps, etc. Such a stand, often taken by governmental officials at all levels, adds up to environmental injustice.

While North Carolina continues to seek and attract industry, the need for an effective environmental justice network is crucial. It is paramount that affected communities become empowered through organized forums, conferences, and the support of EJ advocates on issues relevant to environmental disasters, which negatively impact their quality of life.