After the Fire: A Path Toward Environmental Restoration of Cleveland’s Neighborhoods

2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire—debris and oil slicks on the river had caught fire several times before, but on June 22, 1969, the river ignited from the sparks of a passing train. Cleveland’s environmental history is a story worth telling, for while it’s had trials, the community has triumphed over environmental injustices. The Cuyahoga River is much healthier than fifty years ago. Parks have reclaimed abandoned, polluted land. But there’s still a lot of work for the community to do to revitalize the city.

After the Fire will provide two hours of CLE credit, pending Supreme Court approval. This is a free event that is open to the public. Lunch will be provided.

Agenda

12:00 -12:30 pm – Lunch

12:30 – 12:45 pm – Introductions with CSU-Marshall Environmental Law Society and the Ohio Environmental Council

12:45 – 1:15 pm –  A short history of the environmental degradation of Cleveland neighborhoods (impact of Standard Oil and the industrial age) with Dr. Jon Wlasiuk.

1:15 – 1:45 pm – Learn how Cleveland has risen from the ashes of environmental destruction – focus on Ohio Canal Path and parks in flats, and on Cleveland Lakefront—bringing green space to the inner city with Kyle Baker.

1:45 – 2:15 pm – Jocelyn Travis presents the environmental organizing strategies used in Cleveland to strengthen communities, particularly communities of color; roadblocks faced when connecting with communities; and exploring how attorneys/law students can support efforts to empower groups to fight environmental injustice.

2:15 – 2:30 pm – Q&A/Discussion