Dismantling racist zoning policies and environmental harm since 2019
About Southern Sector Rising
Southern Sector Rising (SSR) fights environmental, economic and racial inequities in Dallas through education, coalition and power building, policy advocacy, and mutual aid. We envision a Dallas where Black, Latina/o/x, and Indigenous residents have access to a full range of social and economic opportunities to determine their futures and thrive.
Through our mission we advocate for health and environmental equity that supports marginalized and historically underserved residents who are directly impacted by environmental racism.
As a grassroots organization, Southern Sector Rising centers the perspectives of frontline communities combating environmental injustices. Grounded in the 1996 Jemez Principles of Democratic Organizing Justice, we deeply believe in the tenets of inclusivity, bottom-up organizing, and self-determination.
We understand that any attempt to remediate injustice must be rooted in a clear assessment of community needs as described and prioritized by community residents, not by a group of outsiders. That’s why our work is driven by the needs and values of local people.
“BIPOC-led organizations like Southern Sector Rising are at the forefront of the climate justice movement leading efforts to combat toxic pollution, flood-ravaged communities, deadly petrochemical plants, and tainted land, water, and air.”
— Tides Foundation
The Park for Floral Farms
After inaction from City of Dallas officials, the Floral Farms community organized and collaborated to bring national attention to the Shingle Mountain crisis.
Now that the mountain of toxic waste has been removed, we’re advocating for a park.
Clean Drinking Water Project
Sandbranch, a freedmen’s town 20-miles southeast of downtown Dallas, is 87% Black and lacks access to water or proper wastewater management. We are working to offer residents an efficient and cost-effective way to supplement donations and access clean water.
Environmental Justice Tour
Our goal is to amplify the efforts of changemakers forging pathways towards increased awareness of climate and environmental issues by touring Dallas communities that have been disproportionately impacted by historically racist zoning and environmental hazards.