Refined Community Empowerment Inc. (RCE) was founded in 2023 to empower residents of St. Rose, LA, located in “Cancer Alley,” to fight back against the disproportionate impacts of toxic chemicals on vulnerable communities. “Cancer Alley” is the nickname given to a strip of land along the Mississippi River with more than 200 petrochemical plants and refineries operating right alongside existing communities. Called a “sacrifice zone” by Human Rights Watch, residents of these communities have faced devastating consequences from extreme pollution, including respiratory problems, maternal and reproductive harm, and cancer. In response to these urgent threats, RCE mobilizes residents towards collective action through community meetings, health fairs, neighborhood canvassing, awareness campaigns, and educational programs. All of RCE’s local efforts – as well as the support they provide to communities in Ghana – are focused on creating a more equitable world.
RCE is a small but mighty grassroots organization led by local St. Rose resident Kimbrelle Eugene Kyereh, a passionate community organizer who has been fighting back against environmental injustice in her community for years. In 2021, Kimbrelle partnered with Louisiana Just Recovery Network to replace roofs for residents after Hurricane Ida devastated the area. Now, RCE volunteers are mobilizing against the proposed construction of a “blue” ammonia plant that developers claim is “clean,” despite scientific evidence showing it would create a significant increase in air pollution in an already contaminated zone. RCE strives to improve the quality of life for residents by advocating for clean water, soil, and air and connecting residents to vital resources. RCE’s vision for a more equitable world extends beyond the local community. The group supports vulnerable communities in Ghana by providing resources to schools, building wells and bathrooms, and developing leadership programs.