In the final part of Zulene’s story, we asked her to speak first-hand as to what motivates her, what challenges her, how she manages self-care and the importance of her connections with family. A quick Google search reveals numerous news articles,features,radio and podcast interviews, documentaries and short films, and law review and social science articles - all focused on her efforts as an environmental justice pioneer, organizer, and fighter. There is no shortage of information about Zulene Mayfield. “March planned for April 24 to protest environment issues in Chester.” April 18, 2021. Zulene Mayfield quoted in Delaware County Times. I think we should have something that’s called an Endangered Humans Act … because we are endangered in Chester by the pollution that I think is the number one health hazard to the residents of Chester as a whole. Zulene first shared with us a brief overview of the problems that trash incineration creates for Chester city and how its continued operation is a major obstacle to resident’s aspirations and their vision of an alternative, greener future for the city.Īlthough it’s not beluga whales and spotted owls and bald eagles, our environment deserves to be protected and saved too. Motivated by her clear sense of right and wrong, her fight continues.
In the face of wrongdoing and the abuse of power, Zulene found herself with little choice but to take on the fight against the largest trash incinerator in the United States. The problem - the transformation of the Chester waterfront into a “waste magnet” - imposed itself on her, her neighbors, and the larger community. Zulene did not choose to be a community problem solver. More precisely, Zulene was infuriated by the sheer fact that the powers-that-be (governmental, corporate) could blatantly choose to rob Chester residents of the most basic elements of a quality life - the right to breathe clean air and not be subjected to elevated risks for health problems, such as asthma and cancer.
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