To learn more about our Ports and Environmental Justice campaign, we sat down with our Senior Ports Campaign Terrance Bankston to dive deeper into his team’s work. The Ports and Environmental Justice team has an aim of reducing air pollution from port and freight activity across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Northwest.
Let’s start with the program you’ve built with your Port and Environmental Justice Assistants. What led you to join Friends of the Earth (FOE), and what circumstances led you to bring Tyler and Kristopher onto your campaign?
As the Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action in New Jersey, I came across a job description for a newly established role at Friends of the Earth, leading their ports program. The description intrigued me, prompting a deeper dive into FOE and ultimately leading me to apply for the position.
The role offered a distinctive chance to spearhead advocacy initiatives aimed at cultivating a transformative relationship between our ports and the surrounding communities, emphasizing a shift towards transformational outcomes rather than mere transactions. What particularly resonated with me was FOE’s mission of championing a healthier and more equitable world, challenging power dynamics, and exposing entities that prioritize profit over the well-being of people and the planet. In my first year overseeing the ports program, we successfully expanded our efforts to encompass eight distinct environmental justice communities nationwide. This growth not only necessitated team expansion but also presented a valuable opportunity to involve young individuals of color from these very communities. By engaging with and empowering these young adults, we not only offered them a pathway into the environmental justice sphere but also laid the groundwork for sustainable and impactful careers. The initiative to include Environmental Justice communities aligns with FOE’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and breaking barriers that often exclude individuals like us from such spaces. By addressing the gaps in training, access, and confronting discrimination, we are collectively paving the way for a more diverse and enriched environmental landscape.
What is the biggest difference you’ve seen in your work since Tyler and Kristopher joined?
Exciting news to share! We’ve expanded our work portfolio to include Houston, leading to a remarkable 50% surge in speaker engagement requests from funders and national partners. These speaking opportunities shed light on our port and EJ campaign initiatives, emphasizing best practices for fostering meaningful community involvement between ports and local stakeholders. Leveraging the invaluable insights of Tyler and Kristopher, we delved into the critical discussion on the severe health repercussions stemming from air pollutants linked to local port and freight operations, particularly affecting the well-being of Black and Hispanic residents. Their representation of FOE and the Environmental Justice community added a crucial layer of support, empowering us to effectively collaborate with our local climate, social, and Environmental Justice allies. Together, we’re making strides towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
There are a lot of ports and port communities that need help, and so a lot of work to be done. What would you say is your biggest obstacle in work right now and how do you hope to overcome it?
The Trump administration’s assault on Environmental Justice has posed a significant obstacle to my work. This impact is keenly felt in communities such as Newark, New Jersey; Wilmington, Delaware; Charleston, Houston, Texas; South Carolina; Seattle, Washington; and the Cancer Alley of South Louisiana.
What’s an example of a local port community effort you’re working on right now? What kind of results are you seeing?
More exciting news! With Kris and Tyler joining our team, we embarked on a cutting-edge campaign to engage three portside communities: Newark, New Jersey, Houston, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Our goal is to enhance a report card template by incorporating crucial grading criteria identified by these local communities. This initiative aims to create a valuable tool for port community advocates moving forward. Your community input is vital in shaping the content of your port’s report card. By participating, you can contribute to improving the template and addressing key concerns raised by local groups. Rest assured, the feedback received will be shared publicly, ensuring transparency and accountability in port operations. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on port communities and work towards a more inclusive and responsive port environment. Let’s collaborate to drive positive change and empower local voices in shaping the future of our ports.
What are the three most important goals for your Ports and Environmental Justice Program in 2025?
The three most important goals are:
- Expand the reach of local community organizations involved in continuous port advocacy for achieving zero-emission goals.
- Establish a nationwide coalition of peace advocates to back initiatives for maintaining a port advisory board through exploration, development, and financial backing.
- Aid in local grassroots initiatives to identify port-focused projects for drafting and investigating potential federal funding opportunities.
How can FOE’s membership or those reading this blog, How can FOE’s membership or those reading this blog support this work?
Private foundations play a crucial role in supporting our zero-emission advocacy efforts. By investing in our cause, they contribute to a cleaner environment and a healthier future for all. Our membership is encouraged to share our campaign resources with donors, decision makers influencing ports, and local community groups serving portside communities. Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing emissions and creating sustainable change.