Annual Summit

At this annual summit, we strengthen relationships and networks and deepen inclusive spaces through linguistic equity and true intersectionality. We develop a stronger strategy for action – all toward building a more impactful environmental justice (EJ) movement.

This weekend-long event includes research presentations, government listening sessions, fireside chats, storytelling, sessions on different EJ topics, focus groups, and much more. Meals are included.

Our annual environmental justice summit has been a cornerstone critical to the resilience of our network. It’s an opportunity for us to gather together, exchange knowledge and experiences, share our stories, and be refreshed to take on the important, difficult work ahead.

We are revolutionaries. We choose revolution when we choose to challenge the status quo – when our actions are counter to the systems that oppress us. Our collaboration, commitment to each other, and mutual support is a revolution.

How the Summit Started

In 1997, following a meeting of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (NEJAC) at North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., a few concerned citizens, activists, academicians, and attorneys gathered to discuss forming a committee to address environmental justice (EJ) issues in North Carolina.

It became evident that an Environmental Justice Summit was needed solely to address the environmental degradation suffered by poor communities and communities of color in North Carolina, and the groundwork was laid for the First Annual NCEJN Summit.

After that initial meeting, additional concerned individuals, organizations, and state agencies were invited to help plan and support the Summit. The NCEJN grew out of the 1st North Carolina Community Environmental Justice Summit held in 1998 at the Historical Franklinton Center at Bricks in Whitakers, N.C.

NCEJN Summits: from 1998 until today

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NCEJN Awards

At this annual summit, we strengthen relationships and networks and deepen inclusive spaces through linguistic equity and true intersectionality. We develop a stronger strategy for action – all toward building a more impactful environmental justice (EJ) movement.

This weekend-long event includes research presentations, government listening sessions, fireside chats, storytelling, sessions on different EJ topics, focus groups, and much more. Meals are included.

Our annual environmental justice summit has been a cornerstone critical to the resilience of our network. It’s an opportunity for us to gather together, exchange knowledge and experiences, share our stories, and be refreshed to take on the important, difficult work ahead.

We are revolutionaries. We choose revolution when we choose to challenge the status quo – when our actions are counter to the systems that oppress us. Our collaboration, commitment to each other, and mutual support is a revolution.

The Naeema Muhammad EJ Youth Vanguard Award

The Steve Wing International Environmental Justice Academic Award

The Elsie Herring Community Resilience Award

The Nan Freeland and Gary Grant Seeds of Change Award  

Awards