Theresa “Tee” McClenty grew in Camden in New Jersey, in a community she claims was full of gangs and drug addicts. McClenty’s mother longed for a better environment to raise her children.
McClenty, now 56, recalls, “So she chose a spot and moved us all over the country to Rock island in Illinois, the Quad Cities, and the Quad Cities.” “It was culture shock to me. I was used being around people who looked like me.”
McClenty is determined now to make healthier environments a norm for low-income communities and communities that are of color. She worked as an emergency medical technician for 16 years, and most recently was involved in outreach and health initiatives at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, north Minneapolis.
McClenty, who has seen many people of color come to the emergency room with symptoms like asthma and allergy symptoms for years, is now shifting gears to a position that can address the root cause. She just started her second month as executive director of MN350, a Minneapolis-based climate justice organization.
McClenty’s years in leadership of labor organizations and in health care prepared her for this role. She hopes to change the narrative about climate. ChangeClimate Justice. This includes fighting for clean air in every community, so that everyone can breath easily. McClenty’s conversation in Sahan Journal has been edited to be more concise and clear.
How did you get to Minnesota?
I went to Northwestern University to study. [in Roseville]Because I was able do sign language, religious studies, nursing general courses and even sign language. It was wonderful. It was my favorite place in the world, even more than Rock Island. It felt like you were breathing clean, fresh air. The winters were just as bad as I’d heard, but they kept roads clean. [plowed]I was so happy that I stayed.
What does climate justice look like and why is it important for you?
It’s important to mention climate JusticeMore than climate Change. We won’t move forward if we only focus on resources for white people, even though I will admit, white people are our allies. So we need to figure out how to partner together.
Climate justice is important for me personally. I have worked in the emergency department, treating people at their worst. My child was also affected by these same conditions. And those who look like me are most affected by the effects of climate change: Immigrants and low-income communities are particularly hard hit. Some believe that allergies, asthma, breast cancer and autism are the most prevalent health conditions due to climate change and pollution. The BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, people of color]These are the most devastating for communities. I was interested in climate justice because education and resources aren’t equally distributed.
What are your goals regarding MN350 (and climate justice for Minnesota in general)
This is just the beginning of MN350. Not only am I the director, but also have a staff that reflects the community we are building. [help]. Minnesota could lead the way. We can get more people to be aware of the climate work we are doing.
According to the social justice movement, 3.5 percent is needed to create change. We aim to get 3.5% of the population involved in social justice. This means that only 3.5 percent will be involved. All communities engaged. We are very likely to recreate the system we have today if 3.5% excludes people of colour. Minnesota’s communities should have a minimum of 3.5 percent.
What is one thing you would do to reverse the damage we have done to the environment?
I would vote for the pipelines. One thing we did wrong was not considering how it would negatively impact these communities. We oppose the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, which includes oil pipelines. Some of us are so lucky that we don’t have to worry about whether our water is clean. But there’s a worry in some communities: will the water have a long-term impact on my family? Do I need filters to ensure safe water?
Are you overwhelmed by environmental issues? Do you feel overwhelmed by environmental problems?
I sometimes feel overwhelmed when I think about climate. For example, I was overwhelmed when I read the national report about oceans and lakes. It was so huge that I thought it was irreversible. I am a flexible person so I feel hopeful. We are smart and can figure it out. But I don’t want to wait for it to be too late.
