Oxford Documentary Premiere Highlights Historic Struggle for Environmental Justice

Oxford Residents Invited to Premiere Documentary on Environmental Justice

This Thursday, September 19th, the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics auditorium will come alive with the exciting premiere of a documentary titled “Our Movement Starts Here.” Taking place at 6 p.m., this new film showcases the fierce determination of local citizens back in 1982 who protested against the dumping of PCB-contaminated soil in Warren County, North Carolina. This documentary has been a labor of love for University of Mississippi Professors Melanie Ho and John Rash, highlighting a pivotal moment in the environmental justice movement.

A Journey to Environmental Justice

The film takes us back to a time when more than 7,000 truckloads of hazardous PCB waste were intended for dumping in a Warren County landfill. Though the protests at that time did not succeed in halting the landfill’s operation, they sparked a movement that many now recognize as the birthplace of environmental justice. As Rash reflects, “I realized there was this story of the birth of the environmental justice movement that was sitting there for 40 years that no one had made a film about.” This realization drove him to pivot his initial project and explore deeper into the history surrounding those protests.

Experience and Perspective

Rash didn’t venture alone; he took two years to build relationships within the Warren County community before bringing Ho on board. Together, they aimed to gather the untold stories of that critical moment in history. “Honestly, it was one of my best experiences,” Ho noted. “Documentary filmmaking should be more collaborative. This was an opportunity for students to go beyond Oxford to get experience doing real fieldwork.” With students from the Master of Fine Arts in Film program, they participated in the 40th anniversary commemoration of the protests in 2022, capturing meaningful content for the film.

A Lasting Impact

Following the film screening, audiences will have a chance to engage in a Q&A session featuring Dollie Burwell and Reverend Ben Challis, both prominent figures in the environmental justice movement, whose stories are woven throughout the film. The discussion promises to further illuminate the significance of Warren County’s history and inspire attendees to reflect on how the fight for environmental justice continues today.

Community Reflection

Reverend William Kearney, an associated minister and a health ministry coordinator in Warren County, is hopeful that “Our Movement Starts Here” will resonate deeply with the audience. He expressed, “We all value living in safe spaces and not being exploited. After having this connection with the film, I hope it leads people to take action.” Kearney emphasizes that the fight for justice is not only for disadvantaged individuals but also a collective cause where everyone can contribute.

The Exhibit and Ongoing Legacy

For those wanting to dive deeper into this subject, the University of North Carolina Libraries is currently showcasing an exhibit entitled “We Birthed a Movement,” which displays archival photographs and newspaper clippings from the protests in 1982. This exhibit will remain open until November 22, 2024, allowing many to explore the history that inspired this compelling documentary.

As the premiere day approaches, it’s a fantastic opportunity for Oxford residents to witness a piece of history that reminds us of the ongoing struggle for environmental justice. From civil disobedience to community activism, the stories from Warren County shed light on a broader movement that continues to this day, proving that every movement can start somewhere.