Clean air isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Meet GASP @gaspgroup (Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution), an environmental and climate justice organization fighting for the health and wellbeing of Alabamians — and they’re not backing down.
From monitoring air quality in real time to taking on hyperscale AI data centers like the proposed Project Marvel in Bessemer — a 4.5 million sq ft facility requiring 1,200 megawatts of energy — GASP is proving that Black-led frontline organizations deliver. They educate, they agitate, and they activate communities to fight for the air they breathe.
This is exactly what #BlackClimateWeek is all about. Black communities aren’t just on the frontlines of the climate crisis — they’re leading the solutions. While Big Tech follows in Big Oil’s footsteps, targeting Black communities as sacrifice zones for dirty data centers, organizations like GASP are pushing back with air monitors, legal challenges, and community power.
Read Read Read! This story by Max Blau is what people need to know. It’s powerful, shocking, and heartbreaking but the more we expose the atrocities and wrongdoings by industries, the more we stand a chance at getting things right.
“The Tragedy of North Birmingham” is an in depth and informative article featuring quotes from GASP’s own Executive Director Michael Hansen, historical investigations exposing segregation and other racist housing practices , and first hand residential recounts from Lamar Mabry. Read this story now on /article/bluestone-jim-justice-north-birmingham #climatechange #environment #environmentalracism #bham
Hey y’all! AI data centers are popping up all over the South, extracting resources from communities and increasing power bills. We’re here with the leaders of the new Minus AI campaign, Lindsay Harper and Reverend Michael Malcom of our own People's Justice Council and Power for Southern People Not Southern Company unpack what this surge in AI infrastructure means for Southern communities.
From corporate accountability to energy justice, we’re breaking down who benefits, who pays, and how communities are organizing to push back.
Check out this episode now on climatejusticeyall.com
Our 2024-2025 Impact Report is published!
You can read the full report by visiting our bio.
Never miss the work we’re putting in our communities by subscribing to our network. You’ll receive monthly e-newsletters, updates on our programs, and information about air quality in Birmingham. 🌤️
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!: Saturday May 16th, we’re hosting a free pop-up market for the Acipco-Finley neighborhood. We will be hosting at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church to provide fresh food, non-perishable items, and clothing to those most impacted by industrial pollution.
To ensure everything goes smoothly we need YOUR help! We are looking for a few more dedicated volunteers to help set up our market, hand out items and clean up afterwards.
Volunteers are expected to show up at 7:30 AM to assist with set-up. Pop-up markets go by quickly so we are advising everyone attending to be on time!
Please visit Gaspgroup.org/volunteer to sign up for your shift today!
“In a state where polluting industry and development are incentivized and natural resources are overlooked, we must do a better job safeguarding our remaining intact ecosystems, spring-fed streams and native fishes that call them home." -Nelson Brooke, @blackwarriorriverkeeper , on #DataCenters for @thebamabuzz
thebamabuzz.com/data-center-growth-in-alabama-492-alabamians-weigh/
To our loyal readers, we’ve got exciting news… Justice In The Margins is back!
Join us for the return of our intersectional book club. This time we’re diving into Climate Change is Racist by Jeremy Williams. We’ll navigate real, honest, and insightful conversations about climate justice, race, and power.
We will be meeting biweekly starting May 27th at the UAB Solar House (with a virtual option available), facilitated by Dr. Chénoia Bryant.
Spots, book scholarships, and details are in the link in our bio! Come learn, listen, and be part of the conversation.🌤️
Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the country. We have almost 7,000 species and 5 million people who all deserve to breathe clean, healthy air.
When we say "Happy Earth Day" we are bringing attention to the importance of our health, ecosystems, and our future. This is how we advocate.
Our Earth is something worth fighting for and our people have a duty to advocate for it. Remember to tell your neighbor Happy Earth Day and show your love for our home. 🌤️
Last Week we hosted Smoke School, a collaborative effort with @southernenvironment and Singleton Smoke School to put power back into community members hands.
Even more exciting is that all of our attendees PASSED! We will be mailing out Smoke School Certifications soon so if you attended please keep an eye out!
We want to thank everyone who came, shared our message, and supported us.
As a reminder, Method 9 certifications are valid for 6 months so be ready to retake your test this fall.
Thank you and see you soon!🌤️
❗Tomorrow is the day! ❗ We’re meeting at the Fairfield Civic Center located at 4701 Gary Avenue, Fairfield, AL 35064from 7:30 AM - 2 PM.
Come and get certified! As certified Method 9 readers, you will be able to read smoke emissions with ease, make reports with certainty, and feel empowered!
You can still register for our training using the link in our bio!
❗We’re looking for volunteers to canvass in Bessemer❗
Last year, Project Marvel made national news as a proposed 1200 MW data center. It was approved for 700 acres, and now developers are requesting 900 more acres to more than double the project.
The Bessemer City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 21 at 9 AM. Residents deserve answers about this expansion and to know who is behind the $14 billion project.
This is where you come in. Even if you do not live in Bessemer, you can help by canvassing. GASP is organizing a door knocking campaign to connect with residents and encourage them to speak at the hearing and demand transparency.
A town hall will be held at the Legacy YMCA in Bessemer on Saturday, April 11 at 2 PM. Join us, support the community, and help stop this expansion.
Sign up w/ the link in our bio. Compensation available.
Contact Julianne Tharp at [email protected] for more information.
Episode 3 of Climate Justice Y’all: Southern Energy Politics
In this episode, we’re joined by John Dodd of @Energyalabama to break down Alabama’s unique energy regulatory landscape, the potential for diversified energy, and what it really looks like to push for change at the legislative level.
