ARetired special education teacher became an environmental justice advocateYou will get whatThe University of Notre DameThis is described as the oldest and most prestigious honor American Catholics have received.
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 as well as the planet. To help end environmental degradation that so oftendisproportionately affects communities of color, Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins said. Notre Dame awarded her the Laetare medal to recognize her leadership and courage as a champion for the environment, a voice of the marginalized, and a steadfast servant to our creator.
Sharon Lavigne, director at RISE St. James, addresses the St. James Parish Council, Wednesday, December 19, 2018, following her appeal for a land use decision regarding a proposed chemical plant near her community.
Rise St. James was created by Lavigne in 2018, when plastics companies from China and Taiwan announced plans for building in St. James Parish.Wanhua Plastics had a $1.25 Billion complex in mindConvent andFormosa Plastics received permits for a complex of $9.4 Billion.
WanhuaIn 2019, the application was withdrawnIt 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 complete environmental studyFormosa Plastics Group member FG LA LLC plans for 10 chemical plants as well as four other major properties. 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.
In 1883, a medal was established
Since 1883, the Laetare medal has been awarded each year to a Catholic who has distinguished themselves in the arts and sciences, exemplified the ideals of God and contributed to the human heritage.
Other Louisiana recipients include Norman Francis, retired president of Xavier University2019: Singer Aaron Neville (2015) and Sister Helen Prejean (1996).
Lavigne stated that many people living in her area believed it wouldn’t be beneficial to fight chemical giants.
Why would they place the plant over here? Lavigne told Notre Dame that they knew people wouldn’t speak up because they knew it. They were right. The people were not going to speak up. That’s when God touched me, and told me to fight.
Lifelong Catholic
Her parish houses 32 of the more than 150 petrochemical plants, refineries and petrochemical plants along an 85-mile stretch the Mississippi River that runs between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Many of these plants are located in areas where the majority of residents are Black and low-income.
Lavigne stated that both the Louisiana Constitution and Civil Rights Act are supposed to protect Black communities against environmental racism. Each permit that crosses their desks will be stamped by our agencies.
Lavigne, who has been a member of St. James Catholic Church her whole life, said that her faith has buoyed and guided her through her journey. She also stated that her advocacy work has brought God closer.
Lavigne stated that he has me here because he knows I am there for a reason. I want to do the job he has asked me to. He made me fight for my life in ways I can’t even comprehend. I have gotten closer to him. I’m so happy to be closer to him, because now we can do anything.
