Rise and Reclaim

Special Episode in support of "Plastic Free Friday." In this simulcast courtesy of David Steinman, journalist, and author of Raising Healthy Kids: Protecting Your Children from Hidden Chemical Toxins, we present a conversation with John Beard Jr., a rare voice from within the industry. As the founder, president, and executive director of the Port Arthur Community Action Network (PA CAN), John shares his remarkable journey from serving as Port Arthur's mayor pro tem and council member to becoming an influential community advocate in Southeast Texas. His unique perspective, shaped by his experience in the chemical industry, is known for his unwavering commitment to environmental justice and community development. John offers a candid perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the chemical industry today.In this show, John sparks discussions by insisting that a straw is far more than just a disposable item. For him, it symbolizes how even the most minor elements of our industrial practices can drive transformative change. Join us as we delve into John's insights on speaking truth to power, rethinking environmental responsibilities, and the hopeful future of community advocacy in a world where every detail matters. We invite you to listen now, to uncover the hidden stories behind the industry and discover the passion fueling real change in our communities.

In this insightful episode of RISE and Reclaim, Gary C. Watson, Jr., executive marketing and environmental communications consultant with RISE St. James Louisiana, sits down with Dr. Adam Dohrenwend, Assistant Professor of Geography at James Madison University’s School of Integrated Sciences. Dr. Dohrenwend’s research spans political ecology, electoral politics, industry, environmental justice, agriculture, labor, and more—focusing on industrial, post-industrial, and rural communities across the United States.Together, they uncover the often-overlooked connections between environmental challenges, community activism, and social equity, highlighting how our political and industrial systems can both empower and disenfranchise vulnerable populations. Tune in to learn how you can support transformative change in your own community and discover fresh perspectives on the fight for environmental justice. For more information on Dr. Dohrenwend’s work, visit dohrenwend.net.

In alignment with Black Climate Week, a dynamic campaign founded by The Solutions Project to inspire climate action and amplify Black leadership in environmental justice, this episode celebrates community resilience and collective action. Join us for our 6th Annual Black History Month Celebration, themed "Mizizi ya Kina" (deeply rooted), as we honor the legacy of those who fought for environmental justice in Wallace, Louisiana during the early 1990s. Through compelling facts and insightful conversations with Wallace native Rolinda Dorris Otis and Sierra Club Delta Chapter’s Darryl Malek-Wiley, we revisit a pivotal moment when a united community stood up against industrial risks to public health and the environment. Tune in as we spotlight the intersection of environmental activism, local advocacy, and the ongoing pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future.#RISEStJames #TheRenaissanceParishes #RememberAndReclaim #CleanAir

In this compelling episode, Sharon C. Lavigne, Founder and Director of RISE St. James, sits down with Dr. Ashonta Wyatt, host of The Good Morning Show, and Gary C. Watson, Jr., executive marketing and environmental communications consultant with RISE St. James Louisiana. Together, they delve into the “Chemical of the Month,” a key initiative spotlighting hazardous substances affecting local communities, and discuss other urgent environmental challenges of the day. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on how advocacy, education, and community engagement can drive meaningful change in the fight for environmental justice.

Join hosts Carter and special guest Gary C. Watson as they delve into the legacy of activism, resilience, and leadership with RISE St. James: Voices from the Frontlines. This podcast brings together powerful conversations on civil rights, environmental justice, and transformative action, inspired by the work of activists past and present. In this special series, we honor the legacy of New Orleans native and civil rights icon Andrew Young, who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fought for justice in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and later led on a global stage as a U.S. Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mayor of Atlanta. Through interviews, storytelling, and reflections on Young’s journey—from the civil rights movement to his founding of advocacy organizations—we’ll connect his work to today's environmental and social justice movements in places like Cancer Alley, Louisiana. Tune in for inspiring stories, new perspectives on social change, and a call to action for communities everywhere.

Sharon C. Lavigne and Caitlion O. Hunter of RISE St. James, together with Robert Taylor of Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish, join the Good Morning Show to discuss October's "Chemical of the Month"—lead—and address urgent climate and environmental justice issues affecting local communities. https://risestjames.org/lead

Please note: This podcast episode is presented unedited and raw due to our current capacity. We hope you enjoy the authentic and genuine insights shared during the session. Did you ever feel unheard in your community? Were you eager to learn how to make your voice count in the decision-making process? RISE University's recent session was for you! We had an empowering discussion on the significance of public comments and how you can amplify your voice to drive change in your community. The session, held on May 21st, featured battle-tested speakers who shed light on the importance of community engagement and provided invaluable insights into how public comments influence decision-makers. In a region like Cancer Alley, where residents' voices often go unheard, it was crucial for us to empower ourselves with the knowledge and tools to effect change. This session aimed to equip attendees with the skills and confidence to engage with policymakers effectively. If you missed it, you missed a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and empower yourself to make a difference. On TUESDAY, MAY 21ST, Dr. Kim Terrell and Gianna St. Julien shared how to stay informed and make your voice heard regarding proposed industrial projects (i.e., notice and comment), using the Wanhua victory as an example.

RISE St. James Louisiana's own Myra Lavigne-Davey, sits down with Melvin Whittington, a RISE member and retired petrochemical industry worker recently diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer. Join us for a groundbreaking story on the risks and recovery of an African American father with more than two decades of firsthand exposure to carcinogens, as Melvin reveals whether he would do it all over again.

Welcome to our POWERCast! Get ready for a turbo-charged ride of knowledge and inspiration. Calling all busy changemakers with a heart for the planet! Whether you're a multitasking marvel or just squeezing in some podcast time on the go, this one's for you. Tune in for insights tailored for everyday heroes, environmental enthusiasts, and anyone eager to make a difference. In this episode, meet Ms. Sharon C. Lavigne, the Founder & Director of RISE St. James, and Attorney Caitlion O. Hunter, RISE St. James's Research and Policy Coordinator. They're breaking down Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Get ready to join the movement for a greener, cleaner future! For more information, visit www.risestjames.org. Remember, our POWERCast is tailored for busy community members like you, with short, impactful episodes in under five minutes. Stay tuned for more insightful content that sparks meaningful conversations with everyone you meet.

FULL REPORT ON ORANGE GROVE Join host Shamell Lavigne on a gripping journey through history as we uncover the untold stories of Orange Grove Plantation. In this episode, we delve into the unsettling origins of the land, once home to the Houmas Tribe, and trace its transformation into one of the largest sugar plantations in the region. Our guest, Katy Morlas Shannon, a Master of Arts degree holder in History, sheds light on the dark legacy of Orange Grove Plantation. From the questionable property transactions that displaced the Houmas Tribe to the horrors endured by hundreds of enslaved individuals over a fifty-year period, Katy unveils the grim realities hidden beneath the facade of prosperity. Discover the truth behind the absentee owners who perpetuated a system of exploitation and abuse, leaving a haunting legacy that echoes through the generations. Learn about the lives lost and the forgotten souls buried on the plantation grounds, their stories waiting to be unearthed and honored. As we confront the painful truths of our past, join us in reflecting on the significance of preserving these narratives and honoring the memories of those who suffered. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, where history meets justice, and the voices of the past demand to be heard.

Sharon Lavigne and Robert Taylor, prominent figures in the environmental justice movement, and Imani Jacqueline Brown, an advanced researcher with Forensic Architecture, join Oliver Thomas and Nicole Collins. Together, they discuss the launch of Forensic Architecture's new Louisiana Mapping Portal and delve into the interconnected histories of plantations and the petrochemical complex. Click here to learn more about the Louisiana Mapping Portal: https://louisiana.forensic-architecture.org/.

Part 2 In this episode, Shamell Lavigne, COO of RISE St. James, continues her podcast interview with Imani Jacqueline Brown, an artist, activist, and architectural researcher originally from New Orleans, USA. Part 1 delved into Brown's analysis of extractive environmental and economic systems, colonial genocide, slavery, and contemporary fossil fuel production. She also discussed issues of police and corporate impunity, alongside insights into her latest project. Stay tuned as Part 2 delves deeper into their conversation.

In this episode, Shamell Lavigne, the Chief Operating Officer of RISE St. James, conducts her debut podcast interview with Imani Jacqueline Brown. This is Part 1 of a two-part series where Brown, an artist, activist, and architectural researcher originally from New Orleans, USA, and currently based in London, delves into various themes in her work, from dissecting extractive environmental and economic systems, including colonial genocide, slavery, and contemporary fossil fuel production, to shedding light on issues like police and corporate impunity. Additionally, Brown shares insights about her latest project, the Louisiana Mapping Portal. Don't miss out on Earth Day Heritage Night: Excavating Our Roots Through Archaeology, presented by RISE St. James, The Midlo Center, and Forensic Architecture! Join us on Friday, April 19, 2024, starting at 6:00 pm at Rosie’s Catering, located at 10141 Frontage St, St James, LA 70086. This is an opportunity to learn more about Forensic Architecture's Louisiana Mapping Portal, a project that explores the linked histories of the plantation and petrochemical complex and provides tools to locate lost Black burial grounds. According to the Louisiana Mapping Portal, "In the US state of Louisiana, along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, a heavily industrialized ‘Petrochemical Corridor’ overlays a territory formerly known as ‘Plantation Country’. In the region’s majority-Black communities, residents – descendants of people historically enslaved on the same land – breathe some of the most toxic air in the country and suffer one of the highest risks of cancer, along with other serious health ailments. As industrial development pollutes their air, it also threatens the burial grounds of their ancestors."

By Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq. A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq.; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team https://risestjames.org/13-butadiene

Introduction to Port Decarbonization: Technology and Impacts of Port Decarbonization, by Terrance L. Bankston Friends of the Earth (FoE) - US, Senior Ports & Freight Campaigner. This unedited episode takes place in a virtual classroom setting of RISE St. James, a grassroots organization. The series is in conjunction with RISE St. James and Ocean Conservancy.

CHEMICAL OF THE MONTH - Methane By Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq. A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq.; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team

CHEMICAL OF THE MONTH - Ammonia By Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq. A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Esq.; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team

CHEMICAL OF THE MONTH - Carbon dioxide A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a newsworthy chemical lately, for a number of reasons. The CO2 levels in our atmosphere continue to increase to levels which will impact the climate for decades to come. Many large companies have announced their “carbon neutrality.” In Louisiana, carbon dioxide capture and storage is a hot topic. But few stories discuss the dangers of carbon dioxide at ground level, potentially during an emergency event like a pipeline explosion or well failure.

Sharon Lavigne of RISE St. James, Bobby Taylor of the Concerned Citizens of St. John, and Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team discuss the Chemical of the Month for March 2023 - Chloroprene.  Click here to read more about Chloroprene:   https://risestjames.org/chloroprene

A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team

A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team Editor’s Note: As we enter our fourth monthly series on chemicals, we will be focusing on pollutants that you can sense. Many chemicals, including ethylene oxide, are colorless and odorless, and it can be difficult to even know about exposure until cancer, asthma, or other health effects develop. Our first three chemicals were also those that the proposed Formosa Plastics plant was permitted to emit. These next three chemicals, starting with sulfur dioxide, make their presence known through odor, color, and even taste. The Community Scientists will be broadening our scope to other environmental justice communities around the state over the next three months of this series. In some ways, sulfur dioxide is an environmental success story. The Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1970 and strengthened in 1977 and 1990, established the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and required polluters to use technology to lower their emissions of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. As a result, the average level of sulfur dioxide has decreased by 94% in the U.S. over the last two decades. Most of this improvement came from shutting down coal-fired power plants and using new technology to lower emissions from the remaining plants. While the average American is no longer exposed to harmful or even noticeable levels of sulfur dioxide, environmental justice communities still struggle with sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power, petrochemical refineries, and coke plants.  Click here to read more about sulfur dioxide.  

In this episode we recap the last quarter of Chemical of the Month, a service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team; discuss the recent RISE St. James First Amendment Victory, COP27, and more. Supporting information:   a.  August - Ethylene Oxide, https://risestjames.org/chemicalofthemonth b.  September – Benzene, https://risestjames.org/benzene c.  October – Formaldehyde, https://risestjames.org/formaldehyde Houston, Texas, October 28, 2022.  AL GORE HONORS RISE ST. JAMES FOUNDER SHARON LAVIGNE WITH CLIMATE REALITY’S GREEN RING AWARD.  The award honors Climate Reality Leaders who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their roles as climate communicators and activists.  https://www.climaterealityproject.org/press/al-gore-honors-rise-st-james-founder-sharon-lavigne-climate-realitys-green-ring-award Washington, DC, October 25, 2022.  RISE St. James Funeral March in DC / Asking Joe Biden to Call a Climate State of Emergency in Cancer Alley.  https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/10/25/cancer-alley-activists-hold-dc-funeral-march-asking-biden-declare-climate-emergency Egypt, November 7 – 12, 2022 COP27: Climate Justice Pavilion.  Dr. Beverly Wright, Deep South Center, Dr. Bullard, Ashe, People Versus Fossil Fuels.  https://www.dscej.org/cop27

To celebrate All Saints Day, area descendant Shamyra Lavigne, of RISE St. James,  and expert Don Hunter discuss the historically significant research of unmarked burial grounds in St. James, La, and throughout the region.  They also discuss what burials mean to the living, honoring the enslaved, misconceptions, and how to reclaim the stories of our ancestors. The Louisiana Slavery Ancestral Burial Grounds Preservation Commission (HCR 51 2018 RS) is tasked with protecting these spaces.   Learn how communities can contribute to their history, genealogy, and mortality demographics. Who's buried in Beau Navista?  An Unmarked Plantation Cemetery in St. James, La  by Donald G. Hunter and Joanne Ryan

A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of Louisianans housed in FEMA trailers began to complain of respiratory issues, headaches, and other health problems. Even when faced with reports from their own field agents beginning in 2006, FEMA failed to take action. In fact, a FEMA attorney was on the record saying “Do not initiate any testing. . . . Once you get results and should they indicate some problem, the clock is running on our duty to respond.” It was community organizers and everyday families who pushed FEMA and Congress to finally investigate and take action to give them safe housing. (Unbelievably, these same trailers were later offered as housing for the workers who cleaned up the BP oil spill, despite FEMA knowing they were still so dangerous that they could never be used for housing again.) Click here to read more.  

Benzene Colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas. Benzene dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water. For more information on the Chemical of the Month, visit Risestjames.org.

The show includes Sharon Lavigne of RISE St. James, Caitlion O Neill, and WBOK Host Oliver Thomas. A service program of RISE St. James; Caitlion O. Hunter, Juris Doctor, Class of 2022, Past President, Loyola Environmental Law Society; Tim Schütz, PhD Researcher, Anthropology University of California, Irvine; and The Community Scientist (TCS) Research Team Ethylene oxide Colorless, odorless, and has no residue or distinct feeling One of the most dangerous substances produced in Louisiana today. Long-term exposure causes breast and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancers, etc. Fenceline communities of ethylene oxide plants have 24 times the cancer risk Formosa Plastics plant would be the second largest emitter of ethylene oxide in the state. For more information on the Chemical of the Month, visit Risestjames.org.