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.
Registration is Required (Limited Capacity)
Counterstream is thrilled to host 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, including:
Thalia Cachimuel, Director of Philanthropic Networks, NDN Collective
Thalia is a Kichwa warmi from Otavalo, Ecuador, with a career focused on reimagining philanthropy, uplifting BIPOC organizations, and advocating for Indigenous communities through political policy. She curated the “Fight to Free Leonard Peltier” exhibitions, which honor Indigenous culture and advocate for Peltier’s release. Thalia is an alumnus of the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service at NYU Wagner, holds a BA in Human Services from Northeastern University, and recently graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Manning Rollerson, Founder and Director, Freeport Haven Project for Environmental Justice
Manning grew up in the East End neighborhood of Freeport, Texas—an area segregated during the Jim Crow era. Despite industrial expansion and community decline, Rollerson remains a vocal advocate for his neighborhood, refusing to sell his family’s land to Port Freeport. In 2018, he filed a civil rights lawsuit challenging the port’s plans, citing racial discrimination. Rollerson continues to fight for the preservation of his family’s legacy and fair treatment of residents impacted by eminent domain.
Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Environmental Health
Kizzy leads CEH’s efforts to protect communities from toxic chemicals by collaborating with a wide-range of stakeholders to promote safer business practices. With over 18 years of experience in environmental sustainability, public health, and racial equity, she developed the nation’s first strategy to address the public health impacts of rising temperatures. Kizzy has advised three NYC Mayors and secured over $4 billion in investments for underserved communities. She has received multiple accolades, including the EPA’s Environmental Quality Award and the White House’s Champion of Change Award.
Our story salon will be hosted by Counterstream's Executive Director, Houston-based community strategist Michael McKenzie
Michael has a background in community strategy, education, and narrative change. Previously, he worked with frontline communities across the Gulf South and Global South at Taproot Earth to address environmental and social injustice. As an urban educator and leader, Michael founded the RESILIENCE IS POWER PROGRAM, which provides scholarships, youth leadership camps, and financial literacy training for underserved communities. He holds a Bachelor’s in Applied Sociology and a Master’s in Education Administration, and is currently a doctoral candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University.
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.