The Colin Powell School has been awarded a $490,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch SUSTAIN-NYC: Storytelling for Urban Sustainability and Transformation in New York City. In partnership with South Bronx Unite, the initiative will document and amplify the environmental injustices affecting Mott Haven and Port Morris, where industrial activities, heavy traffic, and waste facilities have led to disproportionately high rates of respiratory illness and poor air quality.
Led by Assistant Professor of Anthropology Prash Naidu, with co-principal investigators Deborah Cheng and Yana Kucheva, SUSTAIN-NYC will integrate storytelling, research, and advocacy to elevate community voices and explore solutions for environmental justice. A student fellowship program in the environmental humanities, launching in fall 2025, will provide CCNY students — many of whom are from affected communities — with research, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities.
A key component of the project is the co-creation of an interactive digital platform with South Bronx Unite, allowing community members to share their experiences and contribute to environmental justice efforts. This project represents a bold step toward empowering communities and shaping a more just and sustainable future. Read more in the press release here
