Year: 1970

Who: Hazel M. Johnson

Where: Chicago, Illinois

In the 1970s, Hazel M. Johnson, residing in Chicago's Altgeld Gardens public housing, became acutely aware of the severe health issues plaguing her community. After the untimely death of her husband from lung cancer and witnessing similar ailments among her seven children, Johnson embarked on extensive research. She uncovered alarming correlations between the area's industrial pollution and the residents' health crises, coining the term "The Toxic Doughnut" to describe the hazardous environment encircling her neighborhood.

In 1979, Johnson founded People for Community Recovery (PCR), an advocacy group dedicated to environmental and tenants' rights. PCR played a pivotal role in bringing national attention to the environmental hazards disproportionately affecting low-income and minority communities. Johnson's relentless efforts led to significant policy changes, including improved housing conditions and environmental regulations, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the environmental justice movement.

Hazel M. Johnson's legacy as the "Mother of Environmental Justice" continues to inspire. Her work laid the foundation for a global movement advocating for equitable environmental policies and practices. Today, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual's dedication can have on addressing systemic environmental and health disparities, motivating ongoing efforts toward a more just and healthy world.

Sources:

Websites:

• Chicago Public Library. (2018, October 6). Hazel M. Johnson, 'Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement'. Chicago Public Library. https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/hazel-m-johnson-mother-of-the-environmental-justice-movement/

• People for Community Recovery. (n.d.). Hazel M. Johnson's Legacy. People for Community Recovery. https://www.peopleforcommunityrecovery.org/our-story/legacy