ARetired special education teacher became an environmental justice advocateWhat will you receive?The University of Notre DameThis is the most prestigious and oldest honor American Catholics can receive.
The university will present the Laetare medal to Rise St. James founder Sharon Lavigne at commencement ceremonies in South Bend (Indiana) on May 15.
Sharon Lavigne has been tireless in her activism and has listened to God’s call to advocate for the well-being of her community and the planet. She also helped to end environmental degradation that oftendisproportionately affects communities of color. John I. Jenkins stated in a news release. Notre Dame recognized her leadership and courage in awarding her the Laetare Medaille to acknowledge her commitment to the environment, voice for the marginalized, and steadfast servant of God’s creator.
Rise St. James was created by Lavigne in 2018, when plastics companies from China and Taiwan announced plans for construction in St. James Parish. It is located between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.Wanhua Plastics envisioned a $1.25-billion complexConvent andFormosa Plastics received permits for a complex of $9.4 Billion.
WanhuaIt was canceled in 2019It said it had scaled down its plans and was looking to find a new site.
Last year, a Pentagon official directed the Army Corps of Engineers to be formedTo do a full environmental studyof Formosa Plastics Group member FG LA LLC’s plans for 10 chemical plants and four other major facilities. Michael Regan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator made the parish one of his stops.Journey to Justice tour.
January was a busy month for the EPA.Pilot project that combines high-tech monitoring of air pollution with additional inspectorsThree parishes, including St. James Parish in neighboring St. John the Baptist Parish.
Since 1883, the Laetare medal has been awarded each year to a Catholic who has distinguished themselves in the arts and sciences, enriched the human heritage and inspired the ideals of God.
It was also presented to Louisiana recipients in 2019.Norman L. Francis, retired president of Xavier University of Louisiana2019: Singer Aaron Neville (2015) and Sister Helen Prejean (1996).
Lavigne said many people in her area thought it wouldn’t do any good to fight the chemical giants.
Why would they move the plant here? Lavigne informed Notre Dame because they knew people wouldn’t speak out. They were right. The people were not going to speak up. God touched me that day and told me to fight.
Her parish has 32 of the more than 150 petrochemical plants or refineries along an 85-mile stretch the Mississippi River. Many of these plants are located in areas where residents are overwhelmingly Black and have lower incomes.
Lavigne stated that both the Louisiana Constitution and Civil Rights Act are supposed to protect Black communities against environmental racism. Every permit that crosses their desks is stamped by our agencies.
Lavigne, who has been a member of St. James Catholic Church her whole life, said that her faith has helped her through her journey and that her advocacy work has brought God closer to her heart.
Lavigne stated that he has me here because he knows I am there for a reason. I will do the work he asks me to. He put a challenge in me that I cant explain. I’ve become closer to him. I’m so happy to be closer to him, because now we can do anything.
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