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.
Julianne Tharp
“I originally got my bachelor’s degree in healthcare with my BSN in nursing,” Julianne shared, reflecting on her initial career path. However, after spending time in the healthcare field, she realized something was missing. “I loved helping people, but I felt there was a greater purpose that I hadn’t yet tapped into,” she explained. “My heart for service was still leading me to do something for other people, but it took me a few years to figure out that I’ve always been passionate about the environment.”
Julianne Tharp leading pollutants presentation for an elementary class
This realization prompted Julianne to shift her focus towards environmental issues, leading her to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Health Policy and Management from Samford University. Her transition from healthcare to environmental advocacy might seem unconventional, but for Julianne, the two fields are deeply interconnected.
“The health of our communities is directly tied to the health of our environment,” she noted. “Environmental justice is a form of healthcare—it’s about preventing harm and ensuring that everyone has access to clean air, water, and a safe environment.”
Julianne Tharp with Alabama Climate Reality Chapter members at Common Ground Earth Day Screening
Julianne’s passion for environmental justice was ignited during her time working for a nonprofit organization in Jackson, Mississippi. At Springboard to Opportunities, she worked closely with low-income families, many of whom were struggling with the impacts of environmental degradation.
“One of the paths that led me here was working for a nonprofit back in Jackson, Mississippi,” she said, recounting her time with the organization. “The CEO of that nonprofit, Dr. Aisha Nyandoro”, really inspired me to do this work and to make the changes that I want to see in the world.”
Her experiences in Jackson provided a stark contrast to her current work in Birmingham. “There really isn’t any activism in Jackson,” Julianne noted, highlighting the challenges she faced in raising awareness about environmental issues. “I organized the first Earth Day event in the city, and while it was a lot of work, the payoff was amazing. It showed me the power of grassroots movements and the importance of bringing people together around a common cause.”
Julianne Tharp & Husband Landen at GASP’s 15th Anniversary Celebration
Upon joining GASP, Julianne quickly became involved in the “Shake the Field” campaign, an initiative aimed at addressing the severe air pollution problems in North Birmingham neighborhoods, particularly Harriman Park, Fairmont, and the City of Tarrant. These communities, located near the ABC Coke facility, have long suffered from poor air quality, leading to numerous health issues among residents.
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- Welcome Sign to Harriman Park Neighborhood on canvassing mission 5
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- St. Paul Baptist Church in Tarrant where PANIC meetings are held Monthly on each last Thursday
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- Empty lot in Tarrant neighborhood found on Canvassing mission 2
“We focused on ABC Coke because their operating permit actually expired this past April 16th of 2024,” Julianne explained. The campaign was not just about advocating for cleaner air; it was about empowering the community to take control of their own narratives and fight for their right to a healthy environment. A pivotal moment in Julianne’s journey was her collaboration with Keisha Brown, Community Liason for GASP.
Harriman Park Pop-up Market hosted by Keisha Brown; Credit – Julianne Tharp
“Keisha Brown has been such a mentor to me,” Julianne shared. “She’s taught me so much about community organizing and the importance of building relationships. Her work in the community is incredible, and I’m constantly inspired by her dedication.”
“We went door-to-door, talking to residents, listening to their stories, and encouraging them to participate in the public comment period for the renewal of ABC Coke’s permit,” Julianne said. “It was important for them to know that their voices mattered, that their experiences with air pollution were valid and needed to be heard by those in power.”
Canvass Leaders Zakiyyah & Salvador for the Shake The Field Campaign
The campaign’s focus on personal storytelling was a deliberate strategy, as Julianne believes that sharing lived experiences is one of the most powerful tools for effecting change.
“We stressed to community members that this was their time to share how air pollution has personally affected them,” she emphasized. “When people in positions of power hear these stories, it becomes harder for them to ignore the real, human impact of their decisions.”
Julianne’s work with GASP has not been without challenges. The communities she serves are often marginalized and face significant barriers to participation in environmental advocacy. Many residents are dealing with economic hardships, limited access to healthcare, and other pressing concerns that make it difficult to prioritize environmental issues.
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- Abandoned home found on Harriman Park Canvassing Mission 2
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- The Opportunity Academy at Riggins found abandoned since 2008 on Canvassing Mission 1
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- Dilapidated home found on Harriman Park Canvassing Mission 2
“A lot of people in these communities are just trying to get by day-to-day,” Julianne explained. “It can be hard to get them involved in something like air quality when they’re worried about where their next meal is coming from or how they’re going to pay the rent.”
Despite these challenges, Julianne remains optimistic about the future. She is inspired by the resilience of the communities she works with and believes that meaningful change is possible, even in the face of adversity.
“If people are just looking for a way to support this cause, I would definitely recommend that they at least look to see what organizations are in their area,” she advised. For Julianne, environmental justice is not just a professional pursuit—it’s a personal mission.
Julianne Tharp at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham for the 2024 Environmental Justice Community Gathering
“It’s okay to be scared,” she said, “but it’s not okay to let that fear ruin or discourage you from actually doing what you know is right, even if that means being the first one to do it.”
Looking ahead, Julianne hopes to continue building on the successes of the “Shake the Field” campaign and to expand GASP’s reach into other communities facing environmental injustices. She is also committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental advocates, drawing on her own experiences to inspire others to take up the cause.
‘Shake The Field’ Canvassing Celebratory Dinner
“We need more voices in this fight, especially from those who are most affected by environmental issues,” she said. “I want to help cultivate that next wave of leaders who will carry this work forward.”
Julianne Tharp’s journey from healthcare to environmental advocacy is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact that one person can have on their community. Through her work with GASP and the Climate Reality Project, she is not only raising awareness about environmental justice but also giving a voice to those who have been silenced for too long. As she continues her work, Julianne remains driven by the belief that a healthier, more just world is within reach—and that every action, no matter how small, brings us closer to that goal.
