Season of Dissent: Expression & Unity in the Environmental Justice Movement
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon as we gather to honor and elevate the power of expression, unity, and civil disobedience in the Environmental Justice movement.
In Season of Dissent, we spotlight voices at the forefront of the fight for environmental justice and democracy, centering the essential freedoms of expression and assembly.
Counterstream will feature powerful stories from activists and organizers who have taken bold stands against environmental injustices that threaten their communities and our shared future. Hear their stories of resistance, resilience, and creativity as they use art, protest, and unity to defend our collective rights.
Storytellers include:
Thalia Cachimuel, Director of Philanthropic Networks, NDN Collective
Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Environmental Health
Manning Rollerson, Founder and Director of Freeport Haven Project for Environmental Justice
Our story salon will be hosted by Counterstream's Executive Director, Houston-based community strategist Michael McKenzie.
What to Expect:
Inspiring stories of environmental justice and community resistance
Delicious veggie hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages provided
A chance to connect with fellow advocates, artists, and community members working to protect our environment and our democratic rights.
Special Announcement:
This Story Salon will be featured in the next season of the People over Plastic Podcast as the season finale, set to be released in October.
Why Environmental Justice Matters:
Environmental justice recognizes that marginalized communities—especially communities of color, Indigenous communities, and low-income populations—bear the brunt of environmental harms while being systematically excluded from decision-making processes. This event honors those communities and ensures their voices are not just heard but centered in the struggle for a healthier, more equitable world.
Counterstream's storytelling events aim to shift the narrative and uncover the untold stories of environmental racism. These powerful stories generate empathy, raise awareness and ignite action among the public. Our in-person gatherings across the nation stoke dialogue, fuel strategic collaborations and build movement in culturally-relevant spaces.
About Counterstream:
At Counterstream Media (formerly People over Plastic) we’re on a mission to center the stories and perspectives that mainstream media often miss. We believe in the power of personal narratives to spark meaningful conversations and shift power from extractors to justice. Through our diverse and expansive media initiatives including podcasts, investigative journalism, and live storytelling events, we uplift voices and share stories that have long been sidelined and overlooked.