Reconnecting with Marie

It’s been over a year since we have seen Marie in person. She has been our faithful and fearless collaborator for seven years now. I was reminded of the anniversary of the We Shall Not Be Moved singing at the Walnut Cove Town Council meeting on June 11th, 2015. That was the first time that I met Marie. A great friendship was developed and we are all eternally grateful for her creative and courageous spirit.

This afternoon, I lifted a whole bunch of Marie’s collaborative efforts off of her web site, It Is In You, so that we can begin to recognize all of her great work for the Walnut Cove community.

Plus we were so honored for her baby to meet Danielle last week at the #H2O Exhibit at Greenhill. What a joyful day!

We are planning to invite Marie back to Walnut Cove for a final walking tour blessing and dedication in the near future.

"Under The Skin" by Linda Villarosa

I am so excited to share that Danielle’s story is part of the upcoming book, “Under the Skin” by Linda Villarosa. The book features different chapters of which our friendship is included in one. The book will be released on June 14th by Penguin Random House.

About Under the Skin

In 2018, Linda Villarosa’s New York Times Magazine article on maternal and infant mortality among black mothers and babies in America caused an awakening. Hundreds of studies had previously established a link between racial discrimination and the health of Black Americans, with little progress toward solutions. But Villarosa’s article exposing that a Black woman with a college education is as likely to die or nearly die in childbirth as a white woman with an eighth grade education made racial disparities in health care impossible to ignore.
 
Now, in Under the Skin, Linda Villarosa lays bare the forces in the American health-care system and in American society that cause Black people to “live sicker and die quicker” compared to their white counterparts. Today’s medical texts and instruments still carry fallacious slavery-era assumptions that Black bodies are fundamentally different from white bodies. Study after study of medical settings show worse treatment and outcomes for Black patients. Black people live in dirtier, more polluted communities due to environmental racism and neglect from all levels of government. And, most powerfully, Villarosa describes the new understanding that coping with the daily scourge of racism ages Black people prematurely. Anchored by unforgettable human stories and offering incontrovertible proof, Under the Skin is dramatic, tragic, and necessary reading.

About the Author

LINDA VILLAROSA is a journalism professor at the City University of New York and a contributing writer at the New York Times Magazine, where she covers the intersection of race and health. She has also served as executive editor at Essence and as a science editor at The New York Times. Her article on maternal and infant mortality was a finalist for a National Magazine Award. She is a contributor to The 1619 Project.

Learn more at LindaVillarosa.com.

Visiting the Labyrinth at Medley Meadows

In October 2019, we met at Medley Meadows for a lunch and visit of Vivian’s labyrinth. Vivian had been instrumental in helping us find an artist to construct the labyrinths in Walnut Cove for us. It was a delightful lunch together among friends and discussing what having a labyrinth means for us individually.

Labyrinths evolved out of our community planning discernment process and were very important to two of most consistent members - Tammy Hill and Danielle Bailey-Lash.

What Remains

Thank you to Alicia Carter and Lucas Pruitt, two UNC Chapel Hill students, for creating this short documentary What Remains.

What Remains looks at the Walnut Cove Community's fight against coal ash pollution and Duke Energy through the lens of activist Caroline Armijo and her grief process after the loss of her close friend in November 2019 to cancer, Danielle Bailey-Lash. Coal ash, a hazardous waste product, has impacted the community for over a decade as they have tirelessly led campaigns, rallies, and environmental clean ups to take ahold of the issue and influence policy. Danielle Bailey-Lash was one of the group's fiercest leaders, and her loss showed just how big her impact was.

A monumental date in history, on January 2nd, 2020 Duke Energy agreed to dig up nearly 80 million tons of ash in North Carolina and move it to lined storage – it will be the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history. Armijo wonders what's ahead after and motivates the community to keep fighting, ensuring Duke Energy fulfills their promise.

Reflecting on Friendship, Faith, Miracles and Advent

Danielle Kara Bailey-Lash

August 13, 1974 - November 30, 2019

The following are my remarks at the funeral for Danielle Bailey-Lash, held on Saturday, December 7, 2019.

This past Sunday, the day Danielle left us, marks the first day of Advent, which is the first day of the new year of the church. We never really know when we are gonna lose people we love. In addition to the heartbreak, I found peace and reassurance by Danielle leaving us at this precise moment. Thanksgiving had just ended and the new church year had just begun. This moment perfectly exemplified all that Danielle prioritized in life. 

First, Danielle loves her family more than anything else. She would always encourage me to prioritize my family when things were busy. Second, within minutes of meeting Danielle, you knew that she wanted nothing more than to be with Jesus in every step of life here on Earth. And as an overachiever, which we used to joke about her overachieving, she was going to be there bright and early on the first day of the new year to celebrate the coming of Jesus. 

“Gray Matter” by Caroline Armijo

Nine years ago on this same first Sunday of Advent, I placed a piece of art on the altar of my church in Washington DC to signify the word Justice. At the time, I had no idea what that word really meant. But it was the word for the week and a piece I had been working on. The art was fashioned out of a small book called “Your God is Too Small.” I had worked on that book as a way to pray for Danielle when she had her second craniotomy in August. I did not believe in my prayers. I was terrified of the heartbreak we all feel now. 

My God was too small. 

Nine years later we can look back on Danielle‘s life and see all of the miracles that happened since then. We are hear today to celebrate  all that she accomplished in that time - and before. The miracles that unfolded around coal ash, something that was basically unknown, but no longer. And how she worked diligently to build community with everyone she met. 

I was beyond ecstatic on August 13, 2018 which was Danielle’s birthday. It was the first time she spoke in public. At the same podium with Reverend Barber and the former Vice President Al Gore. Although she had spoken out for years in national and international press. 

Just a few weeks later, our worst fears resurfaced. Danielle needed a third craniotomy. And in those moments of going to the doctor, SHE was the peaceful presence who calmed the rest of us as she prepared for surgery. 

After she rang the bell at Forsyth six weeks later, we were granted a tremendous gift. We began gathering together under the guise of planning for The Lilies Project, a grant inspired by Danielle to make art out of coal ash. It was all that I ever wanted. To spend time with Danielle. And to make art with her and others. When I was with Danielle, as I’m sure is the same for all of you, I felt unconditional love. 

Spending time with Danielle was all I ever wanted in PE everyday of middle school when we walked around the track together or made up silly games with the basketball. It was all I ever wanted when we served as statisticians and mat maids together when I cared nothing about sports. And it was all I ever wanted when I came home from DC and we went out to eat with Jennifer. This last year felt amazing to have spent so much time with Danielle.

A few years ago, I read a story of a small group of people who gathered in a church basement in East Germany. They visualized the Berlin Wall falling. As we know, that happened. The faith of those people and my blossoming faith after witnessing a great unfolding of change, alongside Danielle’s steadfast faith, made me certain the our prayers mattered. My prayers matter.

So we gathered at the library each month with a small group of people - Django, Tammy, David, Leslie, Johnny, Christine, Bryan and others. We talked about our vision for what life will be like after coal ash. We also dreamed about where we wanted to place the art that we were planning Danielle’s persistence and diligence was exactly what we needed to keep us focused on our priorities. 

We were also successful in our advocacy. We were part of a larger statewide effort to convince the governor to demand that that all of the coal ash be cleaned up. And when we got the good news, people from across the state came and celebrated with us at Southeastern, the very place our friendship began. 

Danielle, Johnny and I always concluded each meeting with a trip to El Cabo where we split a side of avocado. We would linger together until we did not have any more time before school pick up. In one of those meetings, Danielle shared the most beautiful bit of wisdom. She said “I always expect that every person I interact with is going to treat me exceptionally well. And they always do!” She said it with her beautiful smile and great poise and confidence. I was so moved by her expectations of the best and how she got the best in every interaction in life. I never once heard her complain over the last ten years. Instead I witnessed her persistence in serving others and building community. 

This fall during her last months with us, she took a social work class in Greensboro so that she could help others as others have helped her. She wanted to give back. And then finally she also won a seat on the Walnut Cove Town Council.

North Carolina Coal Ash Advocates

Danielle is not here with us to see the fruition of all of our work together. But I feel her guidance as plans begin to crystallize. I know that her presence will live on through all of her visions for a better future of clean air and clean water. None of us in this room can begin to comprehend the full impact that she had on our community, our state and our world. But may we be so moved to seek justice from a place of kindness and compassion for others, embodying Danielle’s Christ-like spirit who expects the nothing less than the very best. 

Amen

Calling on Full Excavation

This month we wrap on our ongoing push to demand a full excavation for Belews Creek and the additional five sites throughout the state of North Carolina. After a lot of love and labor, I am beyond thrilled to showcase the work of Will Warasila, who has been documenting our community since November when he came for the Coal Ash Healing Service at The Well.

Will is an MFA student at Duke University in the Center for Documentary Studies. He is applying his love for contemporary photography with finding ways to share the stories of those being impacted by coal ash at Belews Creek. While he is creating a wide body of work, these head shots are stunning.

On the evening of the DEQ Hearing in January, Will captured these faces from our community. Michael and Marie worked to capture the stories of the community and put them in a lovely book format.

READ THE COMMENTS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS SHARED IN OUR COMMUNITY BOOTH ON JANUARY 10TH, 2019

The evening was a powerful night. Be sure to watch the press conference and learn the results of our advocacy here.

CRITICAL - Comments Still Being Collected for Duke's Final Closure Plan at Belews Creek

DEQ hosted a Q&A information session at Belews Creek on January 10th, 2019. It was the first of six sessions of the remaining sites with undetermined closure plans. While we had a powerful press conference ahead of the hearing and a great turn-out, many of the community members felt frustrated with DEQ’s format.

Press Conference hosted before the DEQ Information Session on January 10th, 2019

Read Press Links and Important Information about Duke’s Proposals

In speaking with community members since the meeting, they have used phrases including “staged chaos,” “no sense of order,” and a “shell game.” Community members were directed to visit tables about specific topics related to the coal ash basin. Instead of being able to answer questions, they were directed to another table and numerous questions went unanswered. One resident was so frustrated that she asked to have her name removed from DEQ’s list. The DEQ register apologized for the event “being so brutal.”

A full house despite the cold weather and numerous impacted community members attending a funeral prior to the event.

The format of these sessions at the Marshall Hearing one week later. The gym was at capacity of the Lake Norman school gym and residents were turned away. When Holman directed community members to go to the tables, they refused. The crowd was able to ask questions and have them answered from the floor. Precisely the way that Belews Creek community expected the event to take place. Residents were asked their opinion regarding each of the three formats - cap-in-place, hybrid, or excavation. The excavation received a resounding yes.

So the work is on the community to continue to collect these comments through the February 15th period. It is also important not to overlook the Water Discharge and Special Order of Consent Permit, which closes tomorrow, January 25th.

The Lilies Project is hosting a series of fun events to collect more comments over the next two weeks. Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup is also hosting another information session at the Walnut Cove Public Library so that residents will be able to have their questions answered by Southern Environmental Law Center and Appalachian Voices about the specific plans. We will be collecting comments, as well. A more formalized hearing will be held in early April, which will allow the community to publicly speak to DEQ. But we want to make sure that we are loud and clear before that point that we demand full excavation of the coal ash to safe, lined landfills that already exist on Duke’s property.

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Following are points concerning Duke’s Final Closure Plan at Belews Creek provided by SELC.

 DEQ: PLEASE REQUIRE DUKE ENERGY TO MOVE ITS COAL ASH AT BELEWS CREEK TO DRY, LINED STORAGE AWAY FROM OUR WATERWAYS 

• DEQ should require Duke Energy to remove its coal ash from its leaking, unlined pit and move it to dry lined storage away from our Belews Lake and the Dan River and out of our groundwater. 

• Duke Energy plans to leave its coal ash sitting in the groundwater at Belews Creek, where it will keep polluting our groundwater, lakes, and rivers. Recent monitoring shows Duke Energy is polluting the groundwater surrounding Belews Creek with toxic and radioactive materials. We need cleanup—not coverup! 

• The community has come out time after time over the last several years, making clear that we’re concerned about pollution from Duke Energy’s coal ash and want Duke Energy to get its coal ash out of its unlined, leaking pits. It is long past time for DEQ and Duke Energy to listen. 

• Duke Energy is already required to remove its coal ash at eight other sites in North Carolina and all of its sites in South Carolina, and the governor of Virginia recently called for all the coal ash to be removed from Dominion’s unlined sites—our families and our community deserve the same protections. 

• Duke Energy already has dry, lined ash storage on its property, or has said it could build a new landfill to hold ash removed from its leaking pond. Ash will not travel through the Walnut Cove community or to other communities. 

• Duke Energy can excavate all the ash from its leaking Belews Creek pond and move it to dry, lined storage on its property without one truck carrying ash through the community. 

• Duke cannot exaggerate traffic concerns while downplaying the community’s real concern: Duke Energy’s water pollution. 

• Duke Energy’s own experts know that even cap in place will involve trucking construction materials to the site—just like any other construction project. But even under their estimates, cap in place would have the biggest impact to daily average truck traffic on community roads—a 12% increase compared to 11% for the “hybrid” option and 9% for excavation. 

• It is past time for DEQ to listen to the community—not Duke Energy’s consultants— about what our community needs. We need Duke to clean up its coal ash and stop the water pollution. 

 TELL DEQ WHAT YOU THINK IN WRITING 

E-mail DEQ at belewscomments@ncdenr.gov or submit your feedback online at https://selc.link/2GQOp4U. 

Prepared by the Southern Environmental Law Center 

Dr. Sanjay Gupta Visits Belews Creek

This past May, Dr. Sanjay Gupta visited some of our community members to discuss the health impacts they have been facing over the last several decades. We were eager to see the report.

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Concerns are rising for residents living near coal ash ponds after Andrew Wheeler, the acting administrator of the EPA, rolled back regulations on the storage of the toxic waste. CNN's Sanjay Gupta reports.

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The video was released in late July after the announcement of Trump's new head of the EPA and Scott Pruitt's replacement, Andrew Wheeler. Wheeler was a coal lobbyist and has already put in place new federal rules that remove groundwater monitoring around any coal ash ponds that do not have off-site contamination. Groundwater causes the pollutants to continuously move. Even if there is no contamination at this point in time, the toxins will likely spread in the near future. 

A more detailed story including the voices of additional Belews Creek residents is also found online. 

Brain Tumors: Inspiration Behind Organizing

Danielle and Caroline in 2014

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. I am sad to share that brain tumors in our community are way too common. They struck close to home for me, impacting people I dearly love. Brain tumors are the reason The Lilies Project exists. 

I have shared widely the story of how my friend Danielle’s diagnosis of a brain tumor led me to create Gray Matter, a sculptural book, during which I struggled with my faith and disbelief that she was going to be okay. Danielle’s second craniotomy was in August 2010. Years later, I realized this questioning was what led me to my coal ash advocacy work. 

After moving back to North Carolina in 2012, we learned my cousin Rick had a brain tumor. 

It did not take me as long to connect the dots with how we actually got organized at Belews Creek. I took a two-year hiatus from coal ash after Obama failed to classify coal ash as a hazardous material in November 2010. Instead I focused on building a playground in Downtown DC. When Rick fell in October 2012, I knew exactly what to do -- reach out to our local experts.

I contacted Dr. Avner Vengosh, a leading researcher on coal ash at Duke University. His paper at the time confirmed my suspicions that coal ash processed by the new scrubbers at Belews Creek Power Station resulted in higher concentrations of heavy metals and toxins in the local community. He put me in touch with Earthjustice. Lisa Evans then put me in touch with Appalachian Voices. And from there, we began organizing a full year before the Dan River Spill. Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup at Belews Creek. A couple of years later the statewide group Alliance of Carolinians Together Against Coal Ash launched at Belews Creek, as well.

Needless to say, Rick’s brain tumor has been devastating on our family. But we are so grateful that his tumor is stable for five years now. Rick leads a full, healthy life, which includes returning to work full-time, long-distance running, bike races, and playing with his granddaughter, Ila. 

Danielle is missing a portion of her skull, even though she is cancer free. She is concerned about the risks associated with an additional surgery necessary to replace the bone, which is being stored. Photo Credit: Facing South, At What Cost Video

In communities impacted by coal ash, there is no silver bullet to prove the elevated health concerns. Perhaps there’s a reason for that. But intertwined with the heart breaks and fears are hope and miracles. Danielle is cancer free. My prayer is to one day say the same for Rick. 

The Women of The Lilies Project

We hosted screenings of The Lilies of the Field, the 1963 movie and namesake of our project. The film features Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith and a superfluity of nuns, who work together to rebuild a chapel. The film shares a blueprint for our own renewal, including humility, patience and gratitude.

Although the Mother stifles her gratitude towards Smith, I am overwhelmed with support from the women of The Lilies Project. These are just a handful of our team who are so important to recognize on International Women's Day. 

Tracey and Andree courageously share the impacts of coal ash and life on bottled water. 

Filmmakers, like Dayna and Princess, capture these stories and harness their power in succinct documentary shorts.

Amy began organizing in the Belews Creek in 2013 and elevates the community concerns with state and federal government officials. 

Christine, the librarian, serves the rural community ranging from children, teenage mothers and grandmothers, including one who believed her email address was google.com. 

Patti, the president of the Stokes County Historical Society, finds the most impassioned community members to participate in the community events.

Martha, the Director of Research at Old Salem, makes layered connections between the earliest roots of the region and the parallels of the work that we are creating with The Lilies Project over two hundred and fifty years later. 

Felicia effortlessly handles all of the bookkeeping and keeps me on task through the Stokes County Arts Council.

Leslie's faith encourages us to see beyond the current state of Walnut Cove and towards a vision of renewal.

Marie collected the stories of the community and synthesizes our gatherings into performance art as a means of healing and transformation.

Finally my dear childhood friends, Jennifer and Danielle. Jennifer challenged me not to turn my back on my hometown as an adult. And my awaking from Danielle's cancer diagnosis demanded that I not keep silent. 

Like the nuns, many prayers are being answered, transformation is unfolding, and healing continues to occur. Danielle is cancer-free and our stories continue to ring loud and clear across the country, like the bells of the completed chapel. 

A few of these dear ones are featured here: