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2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire—debris and oil slicks on the river had caught fire several times before, but on June 22, 1969, the river ignited from the sparks of a passing train. Cleveland’s environmental history is a story worth telling, for while it’s had trials, the community has triumphed over environmental injustices. The Cuyahoga River is much healthier than fifty years ago. Parks have reclaimed abandoned, polluted land. But there’s still a lot of work for the community to do to revitalize the city.
This course has been approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 1.75 total CLE hour(s) instruction. This is a free event that is open to the public. Lunch will be provided.
12:00 -12:30 pm - Lunch
12:30 - 12:45 pm – Introductions with CSU-Marshall Environmental Law Society and the Ohio Environmental Council
12:45 – 1:15 pm – A short history of the environmental degradation of Cleveland neighborhoods (impact of Standard Oil and the industrial age) with Dr. Jon Wlasiuk.
1:15 – 1:45 pm – Learn how Cleveland has risen from the ashes of environmental destruction – focus on Ohio Canal Path and parks in flats, and on Cleveland Lakefront—bringing green space to the inner city with Kyle Baker.
1:45 – 2:15 pm – Jocelyn Travis presents the environmental organizing strategies used in Cleveland to strengthen communities, particularly communities of color; roadblocks faced when connecting with communities; and exploring how attorneys/law students can support efforts to empower groups to fight environmental injustice.
2:15 – 2:30 pm – Q&A/Discussion
Kyle Baker (Cleveland Metroparks) is Senior Assistant Legal Counsel and Director of Real Estate at Cleveland Metroparks. He has been with Cleveland Metroparks since July 2014. Cleveland Metroparks is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio that manages over 23,600 acres of land, 18 park reservations, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 8 golf courses, and over 300 miles of trails in six Northeast Ohio counties (primarily in Cuyahoga County). He is passionate about the Cleveland Metroparks and considers himself lucky to work for an organization he believes in.
Jocelyn L. Travis (Ready for 100) is leading the effort for Cleveland's Ready for 100 campaign for the city to become 100% Clean Energy by the year 2050. She earned her MPA from Cleveland State University and her BS in Political Science from Alabama State University. Jocelyn has been actively involved in issues including: voting rights, civil engagement, environmental justice, youth, inclusion, etc. and loves providing education and training throughout her community and beyond.
Dr. Jonathan Wlasiuk (Michigan State University) is an environmental historian at Michigan State University. His research focuses on the interrelationship of corporations, government, and ecosystems. His book, Refining Nature, tells the story of how the Standard Oil Company pioneered a new relationship with the environment to gain power in the Gilded Age economy.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University
1801 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115