Myron Edwards Selected as Environmental Justice Advisor for Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern
Myron Edwards has been named Environmental Justice Advisor for the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC). In this new role, he will support the critical investment in cleaning up historical pollution and restoring Milwaukee’s waters. Edwards will work closely with project partners and workgroups to integrate environmental justice into every step of the decision-making and implementation processes for the myriad environmental restoration and remediation projects within the Milwaukee AOC.
Working from the offices of Milwaukee Water Commons as part of the Waterway Restoration Partnership (WRP), Edwards collaborates with a diverse array of stakeholders to address and rectify the disproportionate environmental burdens and risks borne by communities in Milwaukee, especially disadvantaged communities. Providing guidance on community engagement to empower community voices during planning and implementation of AOC projects, Edwards will foster a more holistic approach by including diverse viewpoints so all can equitably benefit from the work. This inclusive strategy seeks to create a sustainable model that can be applied to other Milwaukee initiatives and other communities.
The Environmental Justice Advisor plays a vital role in a three-year cooperative agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District under the Milwaukee Area of Concern Environmental Justice Program Initiative. This initiative is dedicated to advancing the Waterway Restoration Partnership’s commitment to establishing a sustainable, long-term vision and approach for environmental justice in Milwaukee.
“Myron’s commitment to environmental justice and his proven leadership will greatly benefit the work of the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern,” said Kirsten Shead, co-executive director of Milwaukee Water Commons. “This role will work to ensure that environmental justice priorities are centered in the implementation of AOC projects for our waters and our communities.”
A Milwaukee native, Edwards received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Public Policy with an environmental concentration and a minor in Spanish from DePaul University in Chicago, then returned home to use his education to help his community. His experience as a youth organizer in Milwaukee’s south side sparked his pursuit of community organizing and led him to managerial roles in nonprofit organizations across the state.
Edwards is an outdoor enthusiast who frequently can be found camping and hiking across the state. He is a Habitat Habitual for Habitat for Humanity, regularly volunteering in the construction of affordable homes across Milwaukee.
The Waterway Restoration Partnership is a group of long-standing, trusted partners in the community who have been working together for years to improve water quality in the area. With a once in a generation opportunity on the horizon, the organizations are formalizing their partnership and redoubling their commitment to work together to clean up the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
A member of the WRP, Milwaukee Water Commons is an environmental justice organization dedicated to connection, collaboration and broad community leadership on behalf of our common waters. Our vision is for Milwaukee to be seen as a model Water City where we all have a stake in the health of our waters and share in their stewardship as well as their benefits.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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