30th Anniversary: The First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit

The First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit has been described as one of the most important events in the history of the environmental justice movement. The four-day Summit began in Washington, D.C., on October 24th, 1991. With around 1,100 persons attended from all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, and the Marshall Islands, the inclusive breadth of participation allowed for the environmental justice movement to coalesce in re-defining the very meaning of “environment.” No longer did the word connote remote wilderness areas and pristine natural landscapes as was often the case for largely white environmental organizations. The environment was now where one lived, worked, studied, played, and prayed. As such, it encompassed a range of issues from housing and transportation to worker safety and toxic pollution. Ultimately, the Summit became the embodiment and the celebration of self-determination and leadership from communities of color. A lasting testament to the Summit can be found in the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice that participants discussed, debated, and delineated before their adoption on the final day of the Summit. Finally, there is this two-hour documentary that captures many of the highlights of the Summit:

Resources and Reflections

Published Proceedings for the Summit

Principles of Environmental Justice

Interview with Charles Lee, the Summit’s Lead Organizer

The United Church of Christ welcomes other reflections from participants in the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit. Please contact the Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister for Environmental Justice.