The 2024 Racial Justice Summit - Fighting for the Now, Hopeful for the Future: Living and Breathing Camden
Our second annual Racial Justice Summit: Fighting for the Now, Hopeful for the Future: Living and Breathing Camden, the only cross-campus, student-led initiative dedicated to exploring the future of racial justice on all three Rutgers campuses, was held on Friday, September 20, at Rutgers-Camden. The summit was proudly presented by the Office of Undergraduate Intellectual Life and Fellows in Racial Justice Learning Community at the ISGRJ and this year specifically addressed critical issues of environmental and housing justice.
This year's keynote was delivered by Arielle King, Environmental Justice Strategist and Assistant Director of the Racial Justice Center at the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Access the Summit agenda by clicking here.
Keynote speaker: Arielle V. King
Arielle V. King is an environmental justice educator and strategist working at the nexus of climate, law, and culture. She is the Racial Justice Center Assistant Director at the New York Civil Liberties Union. As a consultant and lecturer, Arielle shares her expertise on environmental justice, media, and social justice issues at institutions across the United States. She is also the host of “The Joy Report”, a podcast all about positive climate solutions through the lens of intersectionality and optimism. Arielle has spent over half her life advocating for social and environmental issues at academic institutions, with community organizations, on stages across the US, and through the media.
In addition to her environmental legal advocacy, public speaking, and consulting, Arielle is involved in the movement to advance a more just and sustainable fashion system. She provides insights and collaborates with brands to advance a more circular, ethical industry. Arielle has over a decade of experience as an event coordinator, and oversaw a side event venue and co-organized a Blue Zone pavilion (the first-ever Entertainment and Culture Pavilion) during COP28 in Dubai last December.
She holds a BA in Environmental and Sustainability studies with a concentration in Political Ecology. Her senior thesis was on the Flint Water Crisis, focusing on environmental law, state-community relations, environmental racism, and how communities come together amid political neglect. This work led Arielle to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy and a JD focused on civil rights and environmental justice, which she earned at age 23.
Other featured Highlights:
Community Panel Discussion
A panel of distinguished organizers, professors, and professionals who are making significant strides in environmental and housing justice.
Racial Justice Fellow Student Presentations
Presentations of the innovative Social Action Projects from our current cohort of Racial Justice Fellows. These presentations showcased research and initiatives aimed at addressing racial inequities in our environment and housing systems.
