"Cancer Alley” is the infamous nickname given to the heavy-industry corridor that stretches New Orleans to Baton Rouge and is home to more than 150 petrochemical plants—from oil refineries to chemical and fertilizer manufacturers—that emit toxic pollutants. Cancer Alley is also home to the second-highest cancer rate in the nation.

In this lecture sponsored by the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, Shamyra Lavigne-Davey, a third-generation environmental justice activist, will discuss her work with RISE St. James, a faith-based, grassroots, nonprofit organization fighting for clean air and water as well as the eradication and expansion of petrochemical industries in St. James Parish and the surrounding river parishes in the heart of Cancer Alley.

About the Speaker.  Shamyra Lavigne-Davey is a native of St. James, Louisiana and a third generation Human Rights activist. In 2020, Shamyra became the Executive Assistant to the Founder/Director of RISE St. James Louisiana, a faith-based grassroots nonprofit organization fighting for the eradication of petrochemical emissions in the river parishes also known as “Cancer Alley”. Shamyra is a 2023 Young, Gifted, And Green: 40 Under 40 Award recipient and a 2023 and 2024 Essence Festival featured panelist. Shamyra currently serves as an Advisor on the Conceptual Committee for the Frontline Resource Institute (FRI).

At Attend. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Visit the event website for registration information.

This public event is shared by the CSJ Center for Reconciliation and Justice as a resource for the LMU Laudato Si' Action Platform.