Founded in 2012, New York’s South Bronx Unite (SBU) aims to transform the Bronx by rallying residents, organizations, institutions, and allies to enhance the social, environmental, and economic future of Port Morris and Mott Haven. Dubbed “Asthma Alley,” these historically underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by environmental and public health issues and are in the top 20th percentile for every single EPA environmental justice indicator. Through rallies and research published in scientific journals, SBU holds polluters accountable. They develop community-driven solutions like the Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront Plan, prioritizing waterfront access and green spaces, and advocate for a community land trust model for equitable outcomes. With a dedicated team, they envision a thriving South Bronx with clean air, affordable housing, healthcare, cultural resources, and participatory decision-making for community development.
Rally with Extinction Rebellion in April 2022
South Bronx Unite is a BIPOC-led group of community-based advocates working for environmental, economic, and social justice. One step toward that vision is their Mott Haven-Port Morris Waterfront plan to develop a 4.5-mile stretch of waterfront into a multi-use open space for its overburdened residents. The community-driven initiative will increase waterfront access, create new parks and green spaces, improve air quality, and make the area more resilient to climate change, particularly increased flooding. SBU empowers residents to dictate what improvements they want to see in their neighborhoods and works with funders like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to achieve them. According to South Bronx resident, and SBU co-founder Dr. Melissa Barber, “People have been ignored, their voices have gone unheard, and many times in communities like ours, the decisions that are made top-down are never for us.” South Bronx Unite is changing that.
