Unmasking Environmental Racism in North Texas: A Community-Based Research Approach to Remediation and Reparations

Abstract

The fight for environmental justice is intimately tied to broader struggles for social and economic justice, as communities of color and low-income communities are often the most affected by environmental degradation. The city of Dallas has enforced discriminatory regulations and policies in which Black and low-income community members have been negatively impacted in terms of health outcomes and access to resources. This systematic oppression has led to the increased rates of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, poor water quality, and blighted neighborhoods throughout Dallas. The fight for environmental justice in Dallas is growing with urgency, and it serves as a powerful example of the broader struggle for justice and equity in our society. Meeting this need with direct action, Faith In Texas has become a voice for the community, to combat this overt oppression. Through this University of Michigan’s School for the Environment (UM-SEAS) capstone project partnership, the team has been tasked with helping these organizations carry out their mission. Our research utilizes interviews with residents, community organizations, and experts to gain insights into their lived experiences, challenges, and strategies for advocacy. Additionally, extensive literature reviews were conducted to understand the historical context, policy implications, and existing research on environmental justice issues in the region. By integrating insights from interviews, literature reviews, and analyses of community and polluter tactics, this paper aims to inform and support the ongoing fight for environmental justice in the city of Dallas.