Emily Bacha, Vice President of Public Affairs, October 29, 2020
With deep sadness, the Ohio Environmental Council announces that MJ Eckhouse, OEC Communications Coordinator, aged 29, passed away on October 21, 2020.
MJ was a tireless warrior, fighting for justice and equity in every space he entered to help people live a purposeful, supported life in healthy communities. He made a profound impact on the OEC in his short time on staff with us, frequently using his creativity to inspire hope and drive action.
MJ believed our collective action could change our world for the better.
MJ saw the important intersections of OEC’s work in addressing our world’s most pressing problems and he encouraged us to be bolder and braver in our advocacy for a healthier world. MJ helped us illustrate and demonstrate that “Clean Water for All” isn’t just a slogan, but the stability of trusting the water that flows from your tap; that while preserving Ohio’s beautiful parks and forests is important, we must also ensure every Ohioan, no matter where they live or what they look like, has safe access to those natural wonders; that communities of color and low-income communities not only face the heaviest burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the deadly impacts of climate change. He often reminded us that as environmental advocates we must think outside of our traditional boxes and we must build a broader and more inclusive network of partners and members in order to truly secure a healthier environment and stronger democracy for all who call Ohio home.
We are forever changed for knowing MJ and forever grateful for the opportunity.
The OEC team’s heart is with MJ’s husband, Lis, and their family.
Contributions in MJ’s memory may be made to the Kaleidoscope Youth Center www.kycohio.org and ACLU Ohio www.acluohio.org