This piece was inspired by the intensifying peril in which we have put ourselves because of pollution, especially of our waters. While the scale of the problem is global, we feel it locally in Newark in myriad ways. New Jersey has the dubious distinction of having more superfund sites than any other state and Newark feels the impact with particular force. This collage integrates images related to that local impact, especially as they cluster around the Passaic River.

I was inspired by the work of Rutgers University – Newark colleagues in the Humanities Action Lab and Newest American whose scholarship shines a light on the issues of pollution of our waterways (depicted in this collage) and its impact on our communities; I am also inspired by the committed activists in the Ironbound Community Corporation who lead environmental justice protest, advocate for policy change and tirelessly serve the residents affected by industries that put realizing profit over protecting people.