Zion Sharpe, Community Science & Research Coordinator
At GASP, our work is rooted in people. That’s why we’re proud to introduce you to Zion Sharpe, our new Community Science & Research Coordinator.
Zion is a Birmingham native whose journey into environmental justice started with a simple belief: we are given two hands, one to help ourselves and one to help others. With a background in environmental science and years of experience working with young people, Zion found his calling when he saw an opportunity to merge both passions at GASP.
“What stood out to me was the word ‘community,’” Zion shared.
“It’s not just about crunching numbers or gathering data. It’s about listening, educating, and letting people know they have the power to create change. We don’t come in with a top-down approach. We start with the community.”
Cultivating community cohesion is a passion that runs deep within Zion. It is apparent in his work and in his personal life. He has used it to guide him in various ways whether that be fellowshipping, mentoring, or feeding others. For Zion Community is something you build with your hands and your heart.
“I can cook and bake,” he said. “I make a mean pound cake.”
For him, sharing food and conversation represents connection and care, the same kind of community-building he hopes to cultivate in Birmingham through environmental advocacy and education.
Growing up in Birmingham shaped Zion’s perspective on the environment. He admires the city’s beauty and hidden gems, but he also acknowledges the undeniable reality of pollution and its roots in environmental racism.
“You can’t separate Birmingham’s identity from its legacy of pollution, especially in Black neighborhoods,” he explained. “Even though some industries have shut down, we’re still living with the impacts.”
Charlie Powell leading The North Birmingham Toxic Tour (2023)
That reality came into sharp focus when Zion attended a toxic tour of North Birmingham led by longtime activist Charlie Powell, founder of People Against Neighborhood Industrial Contamination (PANIC). The tour left a lasting impression on him.
“It was very eye-opening, very educational, and honestly sad,” Zion reflected. “Hearing the stories from Mr. Powell, who has had to endure so much, made it real. He talked about a pool right next to ABC Coke where kids used to swim, and now the water is just still and muddy from contamination.”
Zion continued, “You can still see the remnants of neighborhoods, driveways where houses used to be, but the homes are gone because they were too close to coke plants.”
Zion continued, “People had to leave their homes, but some refused to move because this is where they grew up. That was heartbreaking.”
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- A home with Bluestone Coke as the front view
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- Empty plot from a prior home in Harriman Park
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- Sign outside of neighboring facility
One of the most haunting images for Zion was seeing schools surrounded by pollution. “There were schools built on contaminated soil. Some families say their water is brown.”
Some of the schools are now abandoned, once a place for children is now overtaken by grass and trees. Zion has always held a deep passion for uplifting the youth. Before joining GASP, he spent time mentoring youth and teaching them essential life skills. He continues to work with youth by coaching Ramsay High School’s football team; Seeing the dilapidated schools reminded him, “Our youth need safe places to learn, but instead, whole neighborhoods have been forgotten. That really hurt my heart.”
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- Abandoned neighborhood school
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- Abandoned School
For Zion, the significance of the tour was more than personal. It was about awareness and action. “I think everyone in Birmingham should go on this tour. It’s educational, it’s eye-opening, and it makes you want to do something. It shows what these companies are doing to our communities, and it gives people the power and motivation to fight for change.”
Zion says his motivation through it all came in his most personal milestone: giving his life to Christ. “That’s the biggest accomplishment for me. Jesus Christ is my best friend.”
In his new role, Zion is most excited about meeting community members, hearing their stories, and building connections. His vision for the future is both bold and grounded saying “ [For] my environmental pie-in-the-sky, there would be no air pollution at all. But for now, I want to see companies held accountable, and I want residents to know they have the power to advocate for themselves. Everyone deserves healthy air. Justice means everyone deserves to thrive.”
Welcome, Zion. We are thrilled to have your passion, heart, and vision shaping GASP’s mission for a healthier, more just Birmingham.
To stay up to date with Zion follow GASP on Facebook and instagram @gaspgroup. Subscribe to our newsletters here and reach out for air monitoring by reaching out to [email protected]
