Background

West Dallas, a region historically marginalized and exposed to environmental injustices, has been enduring the adverse effects of heavy industry operations adjacent to residential areas for over five decades. Singleton United / Unidos (SU), a leading neighborhood association, has spearheaded efforts to mitigate such impacts, particularly focusing on the removal of a polluting asphalt shingle plant. The Dallas Hub has supported SU since 2020, aiming to improve the health and well-being of the predominantly black and brown working-class families in the area.

Problem Statement

The presence of the asphalt shingle plant in West Dallas has resulted in significant air, water, and soil contamination, negatively impacting the health and quality of life of local residents. Despite initial agreements to negotiate a relocation, the plant has reneged on its promise, continuing its harmful operations.

Project Objectives:

• Mobilize community support and engage in constructive dialogue with local political leaders to advocate for the plant's removal.


• Organize rallies and community actions to raise awareness and apply pressure on the plant's stakeholders.


• Collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct comprehensive studies on the environmental damage caused by the plant, strengthening the case for its removal.

Activities

1. Community Engagement: Conduct door-to-door campaigns to inform and mobilize residents, emphasizing the health and environmental risks posed by the plant.


2. Political Advocacy: Meet with local elected officials to garner support for the campaign against the plant, aiming to leverage political influence for community benefit.


3. Public Demonstrations: Organize rallies and public gatherings to demonstrate widespread community opposition to the plant's continued operation.


4. Environmental Research: Partner with the EPA to undertake detailed studies of the contamination caused by the plant, providing scientific evidence to support the campaign's objectives.


5. This method is proven. West Dallas organized to have the city remove lead smelters from the community twenty years ago. This method is replicable, but we need your support to scale.

Expected Outcomes

• The permanent removal of the asphalt shingle plant from West Dallas, eliminating a major source of pollution.


• Improved environmental conditions in West Dallas, including cleaner air, water, and soil.


• Enhanced community well-being and health outcomes for the residents of West Dallas.

Project Metrics

• Reduction in pollution levels as measured by air, water, and soil quality indicators.


• Number of community members engaged in the campaign.


• Support garnered from local political figures and institutions.


• Progress in negotiations with the plant's owners towards its removal.

Collaborators: The Dallas Hub collaborates closely with Singleton United / Unidos, local government officials, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This partnership aims to leverage community activism, political support, and scientific research to achieve the project's goals. Call to Action: The urgency of removing the asphalt shingle plant from West Dallas cannot be overstated. The health and environmental injustices faced by the community demand immediate action. We invite interested parties to join us in this critical endeavor, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for the residents of West Dallas. For further information or to engage with our project, please do not hesitate to reach out.

For more information: https://gafsgottago.com/