Atlanta, GA

Atlanta church’s “Environmental Justice Sunday” puts spotlight on health gaps in communities of color

Published

3 weeks ago

April 26, 2026

Atlanta church’s “Environmental Justice Sunday” puts spotlight on health gaps in communities of color

On Auburn Avenue, where Atlanta’s Black history runs deep, a Sunday service turned into a call for survival.

At Big Bethel AME Church, faith leaders, activists, and residents gathered for “Environmental Justice Sunday,” urging Atlanta to confront a stark reality: environmental inequality is shaping who gets to live healthier, longer lives.

Timed with Earth Day weekend, the service reframed climate and environmental issues as both a moral and public health crisis — one disproportionately impacting Black communities.

“Environmental justice is about making sure all communities are not exposed to environmental hazards,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., a pioneer of the movement.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is a renowned civil rights leader, theologian, and activist who coined the term “environmental racism” in 1982.

CBS News Atlanta

The disparities, close to home

Speakers pointed to challenges already playing out across metro Atlanta:

All are part of a broader pattern where environmental burdens fall unevenly — and predictably.

Faith meets policy

Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine framed the issue as a responsibility that extends beyond the church.

Leaders called for greater investment in public health and stronger environmental protections, arguing that solutions will require action at every level — from local infrastructure to federal policy.

Why it matters now

Organizers said the goal isn’t just awareness; it’s mobilization.

Because for many communities, environmental justice isn’t theoretical. It’s immediate:

The air they breathe
The heat they endure
The flooding they can’t escape

And increasingly, it’s shaping long-term health outcomes and economic stability.

The bottom line

At one of Atlanta’s most historic Black churches, the message was clear:

The fight for justice is expanding with the environment now at its center.

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Related Topics:Christianity environment Featured health Justice & Understanding Religion

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Dream are more than a team. We’re a platform for connection, change.

Published

4 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Press Room

Atlanta Dream are more than a team. We’re a platform for connection, change.

Opinion

Atlanta Dream’s Naz Hillmon (third from left) speaks next to teammates (from left) Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard, during a press conference to welcome the Atlanta Dream 2026 free agent class, Friday, April 17, 2026. (Jason Getz/AJC)

By Morgan Shaw Parker – For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

4 hours ago

Today, when the Atlanta Dream tips off its home opener against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, it will be more than just the start of a season.

It will be a transition to something bigger, something Atlanta has been building and something women’s sports across the country are finally being recognized for delivering.

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How The Dream is leading the WNBA in so many ways

Morgan Shaw Parker is president and chief operating officer of the Atlanta Dream. (Courtesy)

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Team invests in players, fans and the community

Atlanta Dream players (from left) Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada, Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard hold their jersey’s during a press conference to welcome the Atlanta Dream 2026 free agent class, Friday, April 17, 2026. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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Atlanta, GA

Hoax threat prompts Zoo Atlanta evacuation

Published

16 hours ago

May 16, 2026

Press Room

Hoax threat prompts Zoo Atlanta evacuation

ATLANTA – Zoo Atlanta was evacuated Saturday afternoon due to a hoax threat, according to Atlanta police.

What we know:

The Atlanta Police department said officers determined the call was “false.”

FOX 5’s Annie Mapp was at the zoo and spoke with visitors who said they were denied entry and told that the facility had been evacuated.

Zoo Atlanta was evacuated Saturday afternoon. (Credit: FOX 5)

Mapp reported seeing staff members sitting outside the zoo gate and a heavy police presence in the area. K9 officers were also spotted outside Savannah Hall.

What they’re saying:

Zoo Atlanta released the following statement:

“Zoo Atlanta received a bomb threat late this afternoon. While this may be the latest in a series of unsubstantiated threats made to organizations around the U.S. in recent weeks, out of an extreme abundance of caution, all Members, guests, and Zoo team members were safely evacuated from Zoo grounds. Law enforcement responded quickly and has confirmed the Zoo is safe.”

What we don’t know:

The exact nature of the hoax has not been released.

FOX 5 is working to learn more about the situation and has reached out to officials for additional information.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Source: This story contains information from Atlanta police and Annie Mapp on the scene.

Zoo AtlantaNewsAtlantaCrime and Public Safety

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