Hats Off To Lois Gibbs
She’s like our Erin Brockovich, only cooler. She’s been insulted, slighted, harassed, threatened and shot at in her 30 years as an environmental advocate—the mother of Superfund.
Lois Gibbs, who was in town last week to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Love Canal Homeowner’s Association, is an inspirational icon to millions for her humble courage in speaking truth to power. It all began as a result of maternal concern for her children, and those of her neighbors, who began developing a puzzling array of illnesses including cancer, epilepsy, asthma, urinary tract infections, and more.
All as the result of the 20,000 tons of chemical waste buried under the schoolyard across the street.
What began as concern evolved into her life’s work. She continues to serve as Executive Director of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, the grassroots organization she founded in 1980 to help communities deal with the real health threats posed by hazardous materials.
Here are a few things she had to say last Friday, as she led old friends, new activists, and media types on a nostalgic walk down 99th, 100th and 101st streets in the ghost town known as Love Canal.
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