This past Tuesday, the Chesapeake Executive Council held its annual meeting to discuss the course of Bay restoration. The meeting notably included the signing of a statement in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), with Virginia's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Dr. Janice Underwood affirming that DEIJ efforts are essential for the success of Bay restoration. CBF couldn't agree more.
Our watershed is shared by more than 18 million people, and it is more diverse than ever. As stated in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), CBF believes everyone has the right to clean water and a saved Bay where they can live, work, and play safely. Join us as we explore equity and environmental justice around the Bay, celebrate new and exciting partnerships with indigenous communities, learn more about the racial and ethnic diversity across the Bay region, and see how environmental education experiences empower students from diverse backgrounds to learn about and love the Bay.
Our Commitment to DEIJ
As Dr. Janice Underwood stated at this week’s Chesapeake Executive Council meeting, DEIJ efforts are essential for the success of Bay restoration. CBF is also committed to DEIJ, and we look forward to working with Dr. Underwood and the Bay Program moving forward in the efforts to promote diversity.
Watch: Clean Water is a Right
Ensuring the meaningful involvement of all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, or income is critical to ensuring equity for all. Watch as CBF and a panel of elected leaders and community advocates discuss their perspectives on recent environmental justice victories around the Bay watershed and what needs to be done in the years ahead.
Nansemond Tribe Joins Oyster Alliance
In the 1600s, the Nansemond people were forced from their land where they harvested oysters, hunted, and farmed. Today, their identity lives on as they focus on restoring their ancestral lands along the Nansemond River. CBF celebrates as the Nansemond Indian Nation has joined the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance to help restore this iconic Bay species.
Diversity in the Chesapeake Region
Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Explore the racial and ethnic diversity that shape our Bay communities with our new Diversity Index map.
Watch: Young Latinas Explore the Bay
Last year, high school Latinas joined us at the Brock Environmental Center to learn about the Bay and the STEM field. Through the Pathways to Science program, twins Keyli and Jalyn Jimenez Garcia experienced the “squishy and slimy” Bay for the first time.
What You Can Do
- Are you looking for fun new ways to save the Bay this summer? Whether you’re organizing a virtual 5k or hosting an online knitting class, BayRaiser allows you to create your own personal fundraising event to help save the Bay.
- August is National Make-A-Will Month! Use our free will writing tool and create your will today.
- Sign up for our weekly Save the Bay e-newsletter—a weekly roundup of uplifting Bay stories, inspirational videos, helpful teaching resources, and much more.
- Help us continue to bring the Bay and its rivers to you at home each week. Donate today!
