D.E.L.I.V.E.R.A.N.C.E

E = Environment

by Anthony Medley

nvironment impacts your ability to survive and thrive in your sphere of existence or surroundings. The air you breathe, the water you drink and/or bathe in, the noise and sounds surrounding you, and so much more has profound ramifications on your ability to experience wholeness.

I was reared in the great state of New York, in the small city of Poughkeepsie, specifically in the Smith Street housing projects. The invisible yet powerful redlining of the housing authority segregated black and brown people into “projects” scattered throughout the city.

The residents within the 10-building projects shopped at white-owned corner grocery stores which had no fresh produce, but aisles of canned foods.

We walked to the local public schools, played on the baseball field at one end of the projects and the outdoor, concrete basketball court on the opposite end.

The most prominent natural attraction there was a body of water called Morgan Lake.

The downside of Morgan Lake was its proximity to where we lived. At the time, the lake’s elevation was 213 feet above sea level with a shoreline of 0.8 miles. Morgan Lake would constantly flood during heavy rain and wreak havoc in our neighborhood. The Projects were sitting targets for flooding. The soiled water flowing outside and possibly inside of the buildings caused mold and mildew accumulation which, at minimum, is an associated catalyst for mold sensitivities leading to the development of childhood asthma (American Academy of Pediatrics, aap.org, retrieved online January 2026).

Our air quality also competed with the potent odors from our local industrial plants. We had a paper mill and a fruit pastry-filling plant. The combination of both plants’ daily productivity caused an unusual smell in the air.

Further, each of the ten building units had its own trash incinerator furnace for the residents to empty their own trash at-will, and all the buildings’ walls and floors were covered with lead-based paint.

As a child, I vividly recall having bouts of wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing while engaged in sports activities.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (1982), civil rights leader, coined the phrase “Environmental Racism.” This term exposes the intentionality behind the placement of waste facilities and other polluting landfill hazards in communities largely populated by unserved and underserved individuals and families.

Sadly, in recent years, environmental racism was demonstrated in our urban communities.

In 2014, in order to cut costs local officials in Flint, Michigan decided to change the community’s water source from Lake Huron to the heavily polluted Flint River. The Flint Water Supply Plant, having been inactive for decades and not treated with anti-corrosion chemicals, was incapable of handling a new water source. The water corroded lead pipes and leached toxic metal via water into homes, causing high blood lead levels and irreversible neurological damage in children. (www.cdc.gov; TheEnvironmentalBlog.org, April 8, 2025)

Baton Rouge and New Orleans, known as ‘Cancer Alley’ (Human Rights Watch, hrw.org, January 25, 2024) — because of the prevalence of fossil fuels, petrochemical plants and other chemical industries, with their toxic and hazardous waste products and emissions — were placed where large populations of black and brown people reside.

Further, according to the Pre-Collegiate Global Health Review (pghr.org, May 16, 2024) “Asthma Alley,” specifically located in zip codes such as in Bronx, New York, has one of the highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths caused by asthma among children and young adults. Of this population, more than 50% are African American and Hispanic. Poor air quality, air pollution, and noisy highways in the Bronx are significant contributing factors to this infamous distinction.

What can we do about these atrocities to humanity? God’s word clearly states that He wants all His people, every race, kindred, tongue and age, to have life in abundance (John 10:10). He assures us that He wants to DELIVER us from the bondage of debilitating health, pain, diseases, suffering, etc. Christ wants to know from each of us: Do you want to be healed?

A proactive approach to respond to your environment begins with intentional awareness and the development of an individual assessment of your surroundings. This exercise is intended to help you develop a framework for your personal enlightenment, and to utilize as a tool to combat environmental inequalities for yourself and to advocate for your community.

Take time to thoroughly describe your environment:

First start with the outside air surroundings, water sources, trash collection, waste dispensaries (i.e., where you live, work, worship, shop, etc.)
Next, assess your Inside air space, wall paint, HVAC ventilation, radiators, etc. in your personal living space.

The more descriptive you are with this assignment, the better you will be at understanding how your environment impacts your personal world. Assuming the assignment heightens your sensitivity and awareness about the environment, it should fuel your passion to do something to benefit the un/underserved and voiceless through advocacy.

Black silhouette icon on a gray background showing a sun peeking from behind a cloud above three wavy lines.

Air Pollution

Air quality is a critical aspect of public health, and studies consistently show that black communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution. Industries, highways, landfills, and other pollution sources are often situated near or within predominantly black neighborhoods. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), areas with high levels of particulate matter and other air pollutants are linked to increased rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.

Black silhouette icon on a blue-gray background of a pipe discharging liquid into wavy water.

Water Contamination

Numerous black communities have been subjected to water systems that are outdated, underfunded, and prone to contamination. Events like the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, serve as stark reminders of this injustice. Lead poisoning, chemical contaminants, and insufficient access to clean drinking water disproportionately affect black families, leading to long-term health consequences, especially for children.

Black speaker icon on a yellow background with two curved lines indicating sound waves.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is often an overlooked aspect of environmental racism. Black neighborhoods frequently experience higher levels of noise from highways, railways, and industrial activities. This constant exposure to loud environments contributes to stress, sleep disturbances, and associated health problems. Studies demonstrate that noise pollution can exacerbate anxiety and lead to cardiovascular issues, compounding the health challenges already faced by residents.

Black silhouette icon on a green background of a plant stem with two leaves.

Lack of Green Spaces

In comparison to predominantly white neighborhoods, black communities often lack access to parks and green spaces, which are essential for physical and mental health. Parks provide not only recreational opportunities but also play crucial roles in reducing urban heat and improving air quality. Without these spaces, residents have limited opportunities for physical activity and community gatherings, leading to a deteriorating quality of life and increased health disparities.

Practical Steps for Individual Action

Individuals in black communities can take practical steps to mitigate these environmental issues and advocate for change. Here are five actionable strategies:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Community.

Understanding the specific environmental issues in your area is crucial. Research local pollution sources, hazardous waste facilities, and health disparities linked to environmental conditions. Share what you’ve learned and mobilize collective action.

2. Engage in Local Advocacy.

Advocacy plays a vital role in combating environmental racism. Participate in local governance by attending city council meetings or public hearings to voice concerns about local pollution and advocate for sustainable practices. Joining or forming community groups that focus on environmental justice can amplify your voice and help build a network of concerned community members dedicated to health equity.

3. Organize Community “Green-up Days.”

Organizing events where community members come together to clean up litter, plant trees, and create green spaces can foster community pride and improve local aesthetics. These activities promote physical health and awareness about environmental issues while beautifying the neighborhood.

4. Promote Healthier Lifestyles.

Encouraging healthy habits among community members can mitigate some of the impacts of poor environmental conditions. Organizing fitness groups, nutritional workshops, or gardening initiatives can empower residents to take charge of their health. Sharing resources about healthy eating, such as how to grow food in small spaces or access local farmers’ markets, can increase food security in the community.

5. Form Alliances with Environmental Organizations.

Building partnerships with local and national environmental organizations can provide additional resources and support. These organizations often have the expertise, tools, and networks necessary to bring about systemic change. Collaborating on projects, attending environmental justice events, or even inviting speakers to community meetings can enhance local efforts to combat environmental racism.

Anthony A. Medley, DMin is the Health Ministries Director for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He and his wife India M. Medley, Ph.D. have two adult children and live in Maryland.

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