During my time in the ChesterSemester Course this past Fall semester, the readings deepened my understanding of the persistent bankruptcy crisis in Chester, PA, revealing how systemic disinvestment and governance challenges have contributed to the city's financial instability. In particular, learning about environmental racism reinforced how Chester’s status as a hub for polluting industries disproportionately impacts residents already struggling with economic hardship. Economic and environmental justice must be addressed together to create a more sustainable future for the city. These issues are not separate.
My internship experience with Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) in partnership with Campus Coalition Concerning Chester (C4) reinforced this reality. Residents face high rates of pollution-related illnesses, which affect everything from school attendance to job security. Meanwhile, the city’s financial struggles make it difficult to implement sustainable solutions. Through my work, I saw firsthand how grassroots organizing plays a critical role in pushing for accountability, but long-term change requires policy action at the city level.
At the same time, it has been incredibly exciting to see momentum build! I’ve been working with and meeting more C4 and CRCQL members, witnessing increased engagement, and feeling the energy of a community ready to fight for change, especially since the EJ March is coming up! However, this growth has also come at a very real and perhaps draining cost. Many of the residents becoming more active in this movement are doing so out of necessity, as federal policies under the current administration continue to harm communities like Chester. Whether it’s the rollback of environmental protections, a lack of federal support for struggling municipalities, or policies that favor corporate interests over community well-being, the need for action has never been more urgent. The reality is bittersweet because the fight is gaining strength, but it is also a fight that never should have been this necessary in the first place.
For instance, City of Chester Receiver's Recovery Plan Modification discusses how the “management of the City is getting worse, not better”, which directly relates to my observations in Chester, such as the worsening situation regarding the environment, clean air, clean water. When we also consider our current policy and how this directly impacts Chester residents, these experiences have made it clear that Chester’s path forward depends on policy solutions that prioritize both environmental justice and economic revitalization. While community organizations continue to advocate for meaningful change, the city must take proactive steps to address pollution, invest in sustainable industries, and create economic opportunities that directly benefit residents.