MEDIA ADVISORY FOR EVENT ON Wednesday, July 10, 2024

 

On-the-ground and Communications contacts: 

 

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Sanja Whittington, Democracy Green, (910) 813-3757 or admin@democracygreen.net 

 

La’Meshia Whittington, Democracy Green, (910) 813-3757

democracygreendg@gmail.com 

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Impacted residents, community leaders, and organizations speak on their communities impacted by PFAS, The PFAS surface water rules to be reviewed by the Environmental Management Commission and the urgency to protect drinking water supplies and fish consumption

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

RALEIGH, N.C – Democracy Green will be hosting a Press Conference on Wednesday, July 10 at Halifax Mall. The purpose of this event is to urge the Emergency Management Commission to approve the PFAS surface water rules and criteria in order to safeguard drinking water from PFAS contamination and ensure safe fish consumption for eight PFAS compounds. Residents impacted by PFAS exposure will share their personal stories and advocate for the implementation of protective measures for drinking water from the Commission.

 

Various organizations and community leaders representing over 20 North Carolina counties through their respective organizations will come together to call upon the Environmental Management Commission to vote in favor of the surface water criteria recommended by the NC Division of Water Resources. This decision is crucial in safeguarding drinking water sources and fish habitats from PFAS contamination. The proposed criteria for groundwater is also essential in addressing the harmful effects of pollution and waste on North Carolina's waterways, caused by irresponsible business practices and landfill operations.

 

This Press Conference serves as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and demand action to protect the environment and public health from the dangers of PFAS exposure. 

 

WHAT: A People’s Press Conference: Environmental Management Commission Protect Our Drinking Water and Fish Habitats from PFAS!

 

WHO: Democracy Green and the National BITPOC Emerging Contaminants Coalition (National BITPOC-ECC) 

 

WHERE: Halifax Mall - 16 W. Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Or

Virtual Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/DemocracyGreen/

 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 10, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST

 

Speakers:

 

• Prof. La’Meshia Whittington, President of the Board and Co-Founder, Democracy Green

• Sanja Whittington, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Democracy Green

• Bishop James E. Tripp, Pastor, Holly Hill OFWB Church - Pitt County, NC

• Amena Wilson, Founding Member and President, Pink With A Passion - Warren County, NC

• Wesley Stokes, President, Eastern NC Civic Group - Washington County, NC

• Sonya Bennetone-Patrick, Chairwoman, National Black Leadership Caucus SE Region and Founder of Trouble in the Water: Project Stop GenX - New Hanover County, NC

• Evelyn Johnson, PFAS Impacted Resident, Retired Social Worker and Brunswick County Community Leader

• Saundra King, Community Organizer, All On The Line - NC

 

Host Organization Background:

 

Democracy Green is a pioneering national non-profit organization led by women and Afro-Indigenous leaders from North Carolina. Founded as a grassroots movement in North Carolina, Democracy Green is dedicated to advancing environmental justice, climate justice, and community-driven solutions through governance, advocacy, and policy initiatives. Our organization collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as marginalized communities in the frontlines, to drive society towards a sustainable future both domestically and globally. Addressing natural disasters and human-made crises, we strive to create positive change in both nature and governance at all levels."
 

The National BITPOC Emerging Contaminants Coalition (National BITPOC-ECC) is a program of Democracy Green. The National BITPOC Emerging Contaminants Coalition is a group of Black, Indigenous, Tribal, and People-of-Color leaders who have come together to address the historical and ongoing impact of pollution in their communities. 

 

This coalition includes leaders who have played key roles in developing federal and state policies on drinking water standards for PFAS contamination and water remediation for communities facing environmental and climate justice challenges such as lead contamination, landfill contamination, 1,4 dioxane and others. They have also been instrumental in educating impacted communities on accessing clean and safe drinking water with the support of Democracy Green. 

 

Democracy Green nor the National BITPOC Emerging Contaminants Coalition is not affiliated with any candidate or party.