Julianne Tharp’s journey into environmental advocacy is one of profound transformation, shaped by her commitment to service and a deep-seated passion for justice. As the Field and Advocacy Fellow for GASP and the Chair of the Central Alabama Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, Julianne stands at the forefront of the fight for environmental justice in Birmingham and beyond. Julianne’s professional journey began in healthcare, where she earned her BSN in nursing.
Clean Air Journal
Community Chronicles 1: Keisha Brown
“It’s like a third-world country,” she said. “I know we sound like a broken record, but no one’s doing anything. Politicians keep telling us to vote for them–vote for you for what? What am I voting for you for? To do nothing? We need people who are willing to work with the community’s needs.”
Racial Zoning In Birmingham Is Still Segregation
We need to recognize that these modern problems often have substantial historical roots in harmful and discriminatory official government policies from the past. Governmental action helped to ensure that the places we live in, the schools we go to, the health problems we have, and even the quality of the air we breathe are likely to depend in part on what race we are.
The Ghosts Over The Mountain
Imagine a moment of bliss. Euphorically tilting your head to the sky and basking in the sun for a moment you wish could last forever. The air around you is crisp and light but warm enough to embrace you like a sweatered hug. Where are you? Perhaps a hillside? Are you overlooking a city in the valley or far from the bustle of life in a hidden canopy untouched by man? Surprisingly Birmingham has these pockets that are just the right place to experience this moment of existential bliss but only in the “right” places.
GASP Seek ‘Fresh Voices for Clean Air’
GASP-Birmingham (that's us!) is seeking Jefferson County, Ala., students in grades 9, 10, and 11 interested in becoming environmental game-changers. If that sounds like you or someone you know, we...
The Sun Is Crying
I am afraid to be outside for the first summer in my 25 years. A few weeks ago, I thought this was another season of excessive smiles, “positive vibes,” and the resurgence of cutoff shorts. That was before I realized the danger was beaming directly on nature lovers’ crowns.
Meet Anantha, Summer 2022 Green New Deal for Birmingham Intern
GASP: What is your major and why did you choose it? Where do you go to school? Anantha: I am in a dual degree program at the University of Alabama in Birmingham pursuing a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience...