FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 18, 2000

Mossville resident, Pat Hartman, traveled to Washington, DC to participate in a national environmental justice rally during the 30th annual Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference. As a member of Mossville Environmental Action Now, Inc. and Concerned Citizens of Mossville, Ms. Hartman joined African American citizens from around the country in demanding an end to the toxic pollution that is threatening the health of children and communities. People gathered at the rally wore signs and signed petitions in support of several environmental justice issues. One message worn by several participants read, "Our Children Should Breathe, Not Wheeze!"

The rally was organized by the National Black Economic and Environmental Justice Committee, a network of citizens groups and environmental justice organizations. Ms. Hartman, a featured speaker at the rally, asked the crowd gathered to support Mossville residents in their struggle to protect the health of people exposed to dioxin and other chemicals, reduce the pollution and accidents, and achieve a fair and just relocation. Janie Gordon, a Mossville native who now resides in Washington, D.C., also spoke at the rally. Ms. Gordon was forced to leave the rally early because of severe respiratory problems.

"We came from all over the country because we face the same problem, environmental racism, and we want the same solution, healthy children and a clean environment," said Pat Hartman. "The rally helped to raise awareness and support by African Americans who are in leadership positions and can help to make a difference for those of us who live next to toxic plants," she said.

After the rally, citizens met African American members of Congress, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, and other civil rights and human rights leaders during a two-hour outreach effort. Rally participants distributed flyers and spoke to approximately 3,000 people attending the Congressional Black Caucus conference.

 

 

 

Pat Hartman, Mossville resident, greets Rev. Jesse Jackson during the Congressional Black Caucus Conference in Washington, D.C.