The Repair Lab
Crosswinds
People struggle to breathe in two predominantly Black neighborhoods on Virginia's east coast. Toxic coal dust clouds the air in Southeast Newport News and Lambert’s Point in Norfolk, Virginia. The source: two terminals that together form America’s largest coal export system. For decades, residents in both neighborhoods have complained of coal dust that coats the interiors of their homes, cars and playgrounds in a fine black dust. Dust they also breathe. A 2005 study found asthma rates to be more than double the city and state-wide averages in Southeast Newport News. Some residents are deeply concerned about the impact of the dust on their lives. Others are unaware of the dust and its effects.
Crosswinds is a project of the Repair Lab. The Repair Lab is part of the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute for Democracy.
Wading Between Two Titans is a new podcast from The Repair Lab about place, race and power in the time of rising tides. This limited series investigates climate gentrification, sea-level rise and historic processes of racism. The podcast aims to tell the story of these processes and imagine potential solutions. As sea level rises and shorelines shrink, who gets to stay? Who has to leave? How did we get here? And what can be done?Featuring interviews with prominent local scholars including historian Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander (Norfolk State University), artist Chinedu Okala (Norfolk State University), geographer Dr. Johnny Finn (Christopher Newport University), urban theorist Alexander Fella (Yale Divinity School, McGill), public theologian Dr. Antipas Harris (Jake’s Divinity School), as well as local advocates like Skip Stiles (Wetlands Watch), activists like Monét Johnson (New Virginia Majority), residents, and more.