Environmental Racism and Health Disparities in the South Bronx

“An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

Last year on a crisp afternoon in March, I was one of nine people arrested by the NYPD and taken away to the local precinct for processing. My crime? Attempting to plant detoxifying sunflowers on public brownfield land on the South Bronx waterfront in New York City.

Earlier in the day, more than 100 residents, faith leaders, organizations, friends, and allies came together to protest the proposed relocation of the online grocer FreshDirect to a residential neighborhood in the South Bronx. After a jubilant and joyous interfaith reflection and prayer vigil outside the entrance to the waterfront location, security guards refused to let us cross the gate, so we sat in front of it in protest — a peaceful and non violent act of civil disobedience.

Our coalition, South Bronx Unite, works to improve and protect the social, environmental, and economic future of the South Bronx in New York City, located in the poorest congressional district in the country. For three years we have been fighting to stop FreshDirect from receiving more than $100 million in subsidies and incentives to build a diesel trucking distribution center on public land along the Bronx Kill Waterfront.

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:19-25

In our opposition to FreshDirect, the primary issue is health and environmental justice. The South Bronx, known as Asthma Alley, has some of the highest asthma rates in the United States — 21 times higher than more affluent New York neighborhoods. This is directly related to the truck traffic from the highways, local businesses, and diesel truck fumes that are a constant in the neighborhood. FreshDirect's trucks would bring an additional 900+ diesel truck trips a day to an already overly polluted and underserved area of the city. We are concerned not only for the health of residents, but also the effects of this pollution on the land, water, and air.

As a person of faith, I believe in the sacredness of all God’s creation and the interconnectedness of life. Our people and our earth are gifts from God, and we have a responsibility to work to protect and honor the well being of both. Time and time again we witness corporations that come in and ravage not only the poor, but also the environment for selfish capitalistic gain. We see the results of this in the damaging effects of climate change, in fossil fuel plants that pollute the air, and in oil spills that contaminate our waters. In these actions, predominantly in low-income communities, people are left with nothing, with no ability or resources to rebuild, or even self-sustain. As people of faith we have a responsibility to stand up against these sorts of injustices. In doing so, we can work to help liberate not only people, but also the environment. We can demonstrate God’s love for all of creation as we put our faith in action. We can bring God honor and glory in tangible expressions, help bring healing to the environment, and leave creation in a better and sustainable place for future generations. This is our collective responsibility and call as Christians, and this is why we fight FreshDirect in New York City.

"Do not oppress your neighbor and do not rob him. Do not keep the wages of the worker with you until the morning." -Leviticus 19:13

"Do not oppress the hired laborer, who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your people or one of the sojourners in your land within your gates. Give him his wages in the daytime, and do not let the sun set on them, for he is poor, and his life depends on them, lest he cry out to God about you, for this will be counted as a sin for you." - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

We are also concerned with economic justice. In 2012, faith and labor leaders worked together alongside elected officials to win a hard fought battle to pass the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act. This historic living wage legislation requires corporations who receive more than $100 million in subsidy packages for large business proposals to pay its employees a living wage, which in New York City is the humble amount of $10 an hour with benefits, or $11.50 without benefits. With all the votes in hand, the bill was stalled on the floor of City Council for a vote while FreshDirect negotiated its deal. FreshDirect was eager to accept the millions in tax dollars, yet actually lobbied against paying its employees a living wage. What does this reveal about its business model and practices?

I believe that using government subsidies and resources in these ways are morally and ethically wrong. Our tax dollars could be better allocated to small businesses, schools, and organizations that are committed to economic equity for all New Yorkers. The FreshDirect deal is a Tale of Two Cities example of exception and favor for the wealthy at the expense of the poor and the voiceless. It is exploitation and environmental racism. We need to hold our elected officials accountable. We can do better as we seek to achieve economic equity for all.

Last August, the New York Empire State Development Board (ESD) gave preliminary approval to a $10 million subsidy being sought by FreshDirect to relocate to the South Bronx. Following public outcry and a statutory requirement that ESD give primary consideration to the needs and desires of the local community, a public hearing took place in Mott Haven three months later in November. At that time, nearly 200 Mott Haven-Port Morris residents, physicians, political leaders, religious leaders, labor leaders, business owners and nonprofit organizations provided testimony (in person and electronically) against the subsidies. FreshDirect bused in nearly 100 of its employees (paid to be there) to manufacture support, but not one single local resident testified in favor of the project. Thursday, the ESD Board will re-vote. We are asking our allies to join us in speaking out against this immoral and unethical use of tax dollars.

We are a blessed nation. How do we best use our resources? We can go on exciting and fulfilling mission trips to faraway places, but what are we doing in our own backyards? We have a responsibility not only as people of faith, but also as human beings, to stand against injustice for those without a voice — those without the ability and resources to speak for themselves. What is God calling us to do where we are at? May we reflect on this as we take bold and courageous stands for justice and walk humbly with our God.

Leah Kozak is a member of South Bronx Unite and Associate Director at The Micah Institute at New York Theological Seminary. You can follow her on Twitter @leahkozak.