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Dr. Beverly Wright is a tireless advocate for environmental justice whose work has transformed the lives of communities facing environmental and health inequities. As the founder and executive director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice in New Orleans, Dr. Wright has devoted her career to ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in decisions affecting their health and environment. At Sustainable Stillwater MN, we draw inspiration from her pioneering work and commitment to community empowerment.
Dr. Wright’s career spans decades of rigorous research, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Having grown up in New Orleans—a city long impacted by industrial pollution and environmental neglect—she has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of environmental racism. In response, she developed innovative models of community engagement, including the “communiversity model,” which forges partnerships between residents and academic institutions to address real-world challenges.
Her contributions have led to the creation of educational programs, hazardous waste worker training initiatives, and even an environmental justice map that illustrates the disproportionate exposure of minority communities to polluting industries. Dr. Wright’s collaborative approach has not only increased public awareness but also influenced policy at local, state, and national levels.
In her many interviews and writings, Dr. Wright emphasizes that communities of color are often on the front lines of climate change, facing higher risks of floods, pollution, and inadequate access to healthcare. Her work has underscored the need for an integrated approach—one that combines scientific research with community advocacy—to create sustainable, healthy environments for all.
For Sustainable Stillwater MN, Dr. Wright’s legacy is a powerful reminder that every community, regardless of size, deserves a safe and healthy environment. By fostering partnerships between local leaders, community members, and educational institutions, we aim to replicate her model of inclusive, community-driven environmental advocacy. Our local programs—ranging from educational workshops to community clean-ups—reflect this commitment to equity and resilience.
Get Involved:
Inspired by Dr. Beverly Wright’s trailblazing work? We invite you to join Sustainable Stillwater MN in our mission to build a more equitable and sustainable community. To learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute to local environmental justice projects, please contact our DEI team leader, Ami Voeltz, at ami@sustainablestillwatermn.org.
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