What Would Hazel M Johnson Say About Environmental Justice in the Columbia Gorge Today
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
Hazel M. Johnson, often called the Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement, dedicated her life to fighting environmental racism and advocating for communities disproportionately affected by pollution and industrial hazards. If she were to speak about environmental justice in the Columbia Gorge today, her message would likely focus on the intersection of environmental protection, community health, and equity. The Columbia Gorge, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural significance, faces unique challenges that reflect broader environmental justice issues Hazel Johnson fought against.
Understanding Environmental Justice in the Columbia Gorge
Environmental justice means ensuring that all communities, regardless of race, income, or background, have equal protection from environmental hazards and equal access to natural resources. The Columbia Gorge spans Oregon and Washington, home to diverse communities including Indigenous peoples, farmers, and urban residents. These groups face different environmental pressures such as:
Air and water pollution from industrial activities
Threats to traditional lands and cultural sites
Unequal access to clean water and green spaces
Impacts of climate change like wildfires and drought
Hazel Johnson’s work emphasized that environmental issues are not just about nature but about people’s health and rights. In the Columbia Gorge, this means recognizing how marginalized communities are often the most vulnerable to environmental harm.
The Legacy of Hazel M. Johnson and Its Relevance
Hazel Johnson began her activism in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens, a public housing project surrounded by toxic waste sites. She showed how environmental hazards often cluster in low-income and Black neighborhoods. Her approach combined grassroots organizing with policy advocacy, demanding accountability from polluters and government agencies.
In the Columbia Gorge, similar patterns emerge. For example, Native American tribes such as the Yakama Nation and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation have long fought to protect their ancestral lands from pollution and development. Johnson would likely highlight the importance of:
Community-led decision making: Ensuring local voices, especially from Native American's and diverse groups, guide environmental policies.
Addressing historical injustices: Recognizing past harms and working to restore damaged ecosystems and cultural sites.
Equitable resource distribution: Making sure all communities benefit from conservation efforts and economic opportunities.
Environmental Justice Challenges Facing the Columbia Gorge
Several specific challenges in the Columbia Gorge reflect the core concerns Hazel Johnson raised:
Industrial Pollution and Health Risks
The Gorge has industrial zones, including ports and manufacturing facilities, that contribute to air and water pollution. Nearby communities sometimes experience higher rates of respiratory illnesses and other health problems linked to pollution. Johnson would stress the need for stricter pollution controls and health monitoring in these areas.
Climate Change and Wildfire Impact
Increasing wildfires threaten the Gorge’s ecosystems and residents. Vulnerable populations often have fewer resources to prepare for or recover from disasters. Johnson’s focus on protecting the most affected communities would call for targeted support and resilience planning.
Access to Natural Resources and Recreation
While the Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor activities, not all communities have equal access to parks, trails, and clean rivers. Economic and transportation barriers can limit participation. Johnson would advocate for inclusive policies that remove these barriers and promote environmental education.
How Foundations and Government Agencies Can Support Environmental Justice in the Gorge
Hazel Johnson’s activism was rooted in community empowerment and systemic change. Foundations, funders, and government agencies can play a critical role by:
Funding community-based organizations that represent marginalized groups in the Gorge.
Supporting Indigenous-led conservation projects that protect cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Investing in health studies and pollution reduction programs focused on vulnerable neighborhoods.
Promoting equitable access to green spaces through infrastructure and outreach.
Encouraging collaboration between local governments, tribes, and residents to create inclusive environmental policies.
These actions align with the spirit of Black History Month, which honors leaders like Hazel Johnson who fought for justice and equality. Recognizing environmental justice as part of this broader struggle helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
Practical Examples of Environmental Justice in Action
Several initiatives in the Columbia Gorge reflect the principles Hazel Johnson championed:
The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission works to restore fish populations and protect tribal fishing rights, addressing both environmental and cultural justice.
Programs that provide clean energy solutions and wildfire preparedness to low-income households help reduce environmental health disparities.
These examples show how combining community leadership with targeted funding and policy support can create meaningful change.
Looking Ahead: What Hazel Johnson Would Urge Us to Do
Hazel Johnson’s message remains urgent: environmental justice requires ongoing vigilance, community empowerment, and systemic reform. For the Columbia Gorge, this means:
Listening to and centering the voices of Indigenous peoples and marginalized communities.
Holding polluters accountable and enforcing environmental laws fairly.
Investing in health, education, and infrastructure to reduce disparities.
Celebrating and learning from Black History Month to connect environmental justice with broader social justice movements.
By embracing these principles, the Columbia Gorge can become a model for how natural beauty and human dignity go hand in hand.
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