Building Black Resilience for Climate Justice

Date: Saturday, February 24th @ 11am – 12:30pm

Location: Dorothy L. Jones Community Center, 2044 Fair Street, Stockton CA 95206

A Stockton Rising Community Coalition Meeting In Memory of Dorothy L. Jones and in Honor of Black History Month. Together, let’s make Stockton a healthier place for families!

For more information, contact William Muetzenberg at [email protected]

Sponsors: City of Stockton, Stockton Rising | California Strategic Growth Council |  California Department of Conservation

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Building Black Resilience for Climate Justice

Climate justice, as it relates to communities of color, is a concept and movement that seeks to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized and disadvantaged groups, particularly communities of color.

This framework recognizes that the adverse effects of climate change—such as extreme weather events, pollution, and resource scarcity—are not felt equally across different populations, with communities of color often facing the brunt of environmental degradation and climate-related hazards.

These disparities are rooted in historical and systemic inequalities, including racial discrimination, socioeconomic status, and differential access to resources, power, and decision-making processes.

Key aspects of climate justice in the context of communities of color include:

1. Disproportionate Impact: Communities of color are more likely to live in areas with higher exposure to pollution, toxic waste, and other environmental hazards. They are also more vulnerable to the health, economic, and social impacts of climate change, including heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
2. Historical and Systemic Inequalities: The vulnerability of these communities is exacerbated by historical injustices, such as segregation, redlining, and economic disparities, which have resulted in poorer living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and greater exposure to environmental risks.
3. Advocacy and Representation: Climate justice emphasizes the need for communities of color to have a voice and active participation in the decision-making processes that affect their environment and health. This includes advocating for policies and practices that mitigate climate change impacts and ensure equitable access to resources and benefits.
4. Intersectionality: The movement recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues, understanding that solutions must address not only climate change but also the systemic inequalities that increase its effects on communities of color.
5. Equitable Solutions: Climate justice advocates for solutions that are fair and equitable, ensuring that efforts to combat climate change do not further marginalize vulnerable populations but instead promote social equity, environmental justice, and economic opportunity for all.

In essence, climate justice seeks to ensure that action on climate change incorporates social justice principles, recognizing the rights of all people to a healthy environment, equitable resource distribution, and involvement in the decisions that affect their lives.

It calls for transformative action that addresses both the environmental and social dimensions of climate change, aiming to build resilient communities and equitable outcomes for people of color and other marginalized groups.

The Legacy of Dorothy L. Jones in Stockton, California

Dorothy Louise Jones has profoundly impacted Stockton, California, dedicating her life to serving the community. Her lasting influence is embodied by the Dorothy L. Jones Community & Health Center, a tribute to her steadfast dedication to improving community life.

Throughout her life, Dorothy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal member of the Greater White Rose Church of God in Christ for over seven decades.

Dorothy Louise Jones’ contributions to the community in Stockton include:

• Advocacy: During the 1960s, she played a key role in advocating for Southeast Stockton, focusing on the delivery of vital resources and services to the community.
• Development of Library and Park: Dorothy was pivotal in creating important community landmarks, including the Southeast Stockton Library and Peterson Park.
• Efforts Against Drug Abuse: She established S.U.C.C.E.S.S., an organization dedicated to preventing drug use among youth.
• Involvement in Civic Organizations: She took on leadership positions within the N.A.A.C.P. and directed the Family Self-Sufficiency Program at the San Joaquin Housing Authority.
• Awards and Recognition: Her commitment to community service earned her several accolades, such as the Liberty Bell and the Rosa Parks Award of Excellence.
• Dedication to Health and Community: The naming of the Dorothy L. Jones Community & Health Center after her honors her extensive dedication to improving the welfare and health of the Stockton community.