Birmingham, Ala. — We are deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Mack Powell, a longtime environmental justice leader and a pillar of advocacy in Birmingham.

Charlie Powell  was born May 6, 1953. He departed this life on December 29, 2025. He was the founder of People Against Neighborhood Industrial Contamination (PANIC), an organization formed to protect residents living in neighborhoods heavily burdened by industrial pollution in north Birmingham, including Fairmont, Harriman Park, and surrounding communities. Through PANIC, Charlie organized neighbors, led community meetings, and demanded accountability from polluters and government agencies responsible for protecting public health.

Charlie worked closely with GASP and other local and national partners in the fight for environmental justice, particularly around the 35th Avenue Superfund site. Together, we organized public actions, community caravans, and advocacy efforts calling attention to the disproportionate impact of toxic pollution on Black communities in Birmingham. Charlie was a powerful voice in demanding meaningful cleanups, relocation and compensation for impacted residents, and long-term solutions rooted in justice rather than temporary fixes.

Charlie’s leadership was grounded in deep care for his neighbors and a belief that those most affected by pollution must lead the fight for change. His work helped strengthen coalitions across our city and ensured that community voices remained central in conversations with regulators, elected officials, and the public.

We are grateful for Charlie’s leadership, his courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community. His legacy lives on through PANIC, the relationships he built, and the continued work to ensure all people can live in healthy and safe environments.

We extend our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family, loved ones, and all those impacted by his life and work.

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GASP is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance healthy air and environmental justice in the Greater Birmingham area through education, advocacy, and collaboration. We strive to reduce exposure to air pollution, educate the public on the health risks associated with poor air quality, and encourage community leaders to serve as role models by advocating for clean air and clean energy. gaspgroup.org