Residents of Wallace, Louisiana, celebrated the cancellation of a grain export facility project on the grounds where their ancestors were once enslaved, marking a significant victory in their fight against industrial expansion in their community.
Jack Brook reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Greenfield Louisiana LLC announced the termination of its plans to build a grain export facility in Wallace, a historic Black community in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," known for high pollution levels.
- Residents and activists, including The Descendants Project founders Joy and Jo Banner, had opposed the project due to its potential impact on cultural heritage sites and the community's environment.
- While some community members supported the project for potential job creation, others celebrated the cancellation, viewing it as a preservation of their cultural heritage and environmental safety.
Key quote:
"I’m still obviously in disbelief — I can’t believe this is happening, but I’m ecstatic and all praise to the ancestors."
— Joy Banner, resident of Wallace
Why this matters:
The decision to halt the facility's construction highlights the ongoing struggle between industrial development and the preservation of cultural and environmental integrity. The outcome may inspire similar communities to advocate for their rights and historical preservation against industrial interests.
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