Chattel property. It’s how many of the residents of St. John and St. James Parish describe their existence. They live near a long and grimy road of toxic industry that stretches from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. A place where the residents face overwhelmingly high rates of cancer, asthma, and birth defects. This area is known as “Cancer Alley”. Mr. Robert Taylor is a lifelong resident of the area. He remembers when the industry was sugarcane and agrarian. He recalls sitting with his wife when the first plant was erected. He’s now in the fight of his life. “We have been designated a sacrifice zone.” Mr. Taylor is the founder of Concerned Citizens of St. John, a non-profit organization based in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. Their primary mission is to advocate for the health and safety of all citizens by working to hold government officials and industry accountable for the quality of our air, water, and soil. To collect all facts about our environment and share that information with the citizens of St. John Parish. To aggressively advocate for the safety and future of the children. Most importantly, to promote renewable energy, infrastructure, other investments to create jobs, reduce pollution, curb climate impacts, and create a more resilient local economy benefitting all St. John residents.

CREDITS: Thanks to Mr. Robert Taylor for his leadership as cofounder and executive director of Concerned Citizens of St. John, and the residents of St. John the Baptist Parish. Filmed and produced by 5ive, this video is part of On the Frontlines of Environmental Justice, a short film series created by the Climate Equity Initiative at CATF, and to be continued by the Climate Equity Foundation. Our partners are 5ive, BW Research Partnership, MG Strategy + Design, and Equnival Partners.