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Crafting community based strategies for reparation and remediation in light of intentional ecological harm inflicted in historically and intentionally defunded Dallas TX communities and geographies
Dallas (DFW Metroplex), TX
Project Description
Goals & Objectives:
- Clarify the real and quantifiable environmental needs of Black and low income residents of Dallas County through real time and peer reviewed field and academic research.
- Use the above collected data and information to begin crafting community based, people led interventions that will have both immediate and long term life-giving and affirming impact on the target population’s overall quality of life.
Theoretical Justification, Social Benefit, or Significance:
- The city of Dallas and Dallas county more broadly has historically and systematically defunded every area where Black and poor people create community. This Report commissioned by Southern Methodist University gives a clear picture of what they refer to as “infrastructure deserts.” These areas reflect my guiding statement in that they are currently, and have historically been, occupied by either Black or poor residents, or some combination of both. For the sake of our work and accuracy we believe it better to refer to this equity and environmental issue as “infrastructure deserts” but rather resource aparhteid. This is salient and central to the justification for targeted research that leads to a community led strategic plan of intervention because we know both in this country and others that it is the Blackest and poorest areas of all communities that carry the weight and experience the effects of the environmental degradation of our communities and the planet.
- Using a “thriving communities” approach to this effort is an intersecting way to meet people’s immediate material needs in a way that creates immediate interventions in the further harming of our environment while also developing communities that are built and rebuilt with a deep understanding of environmental impact and sustainability.
- Lastly, Black and poor people are rarely engaged in the efforts to stop and or repair environmental harm. As a community organizer I firmly believe those who are closest to the pain are closest to the solutions. This research project will further show how this approach to social justice and movement building is now and has always been the best approach for long term systemic change.
Specific Activities & Duration:
- Community meetings with directly impacted residents
- Development and deployment of a community focused survey that will allow us to engage a greater portion of the target population that will help us understand real time issues, desired outcomes, and interventions.
- Qualitative, quantitative and culturally specific historical research of the target area and population.
- This project would be perfect for <1 and >5 part-time researchers.
Integrative Approach:
- Qualitative research skills needed.
- Quantitative research skills needed.
- Culturally competent research skills needed.
- Field research skills needed.
- Academic book and archival study needed.
Year
2023-2024
Project Status
In Progress
Client Organization
Dallas Black Clergy for Safety, Equity and Justice
Students Involved
Tyler LaBerge [EJ]
Latia Leonard [EJ]
Danielle Moore [EJ]
Tre'Nard Morgan [EJ]
Naajia Shakir [EJ]
SEAS Faculty Advisor
Advisor(s)
Michelle Martinez