TAAG has been invited to attend the
10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans!
This is a transformative opportunity for our youth chapter to engage in meaningful discussions on climate change—an issue deeply impacting our Mon Valley community. Attendees will explore real-world challenges and solutions alongside global leaders, activists, and academics.
SUPPORT OUR YOUTH
Help Us Make This Life-Changing Experience Possible
 HBCU EJ Conference 2025Our TAAG youth, Grace Walker, pictured with conference attendees |  HBCU EJ Conference 2025Our TAAG team & youth representing at the HBCU climate change conference |  HBCU EJ Conference 2025Our Founder, Fawn Walker-Montgomery, pictured with Dr. Robert Bullard, conference host |  HBCU EJ Conference 2025Dinner with TAAG staff, youth, and conference attendees |
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 HBCU EJ Conference 2025TAAG Staff with HBCU conference speaker |  HBCU EJ Conference 2025Some of their feedback included seeing Black scientists and being able to see themselves in those roles. One of our youth even changed her major in college as a result. |  HBCU EJ Conference 2025TAAG staff & youth focused on absorbing conference materials in order to revolutionize TAAG's impact on EJ |
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Taking Up Space for Our Communities
In 2025, Take Action Advocacy Group (TAAG) continues to push forward in environmental and climate justice advocacy. For too long, these conversations have been dominated by white voices while Black and marginalized communities suffer the most from environmental injustices.
The Mon Valley, a historically industrial area, has been designated a "sacrifice zone" due to air and water pollution, lead exposure, and food insecurity. We refuse to accept this as our reality. Through strategic initiatives, we fight for a healthier, more equitable future.
I Can’t Breathe or Drink the Water
About
The Mon Valley has long suffered from poor air quality and contaminated water. Industrial pollution and aging infrastructure have forced communities to live with toxic air and unsafe drinking water.
TAAG is taking action through:
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Get Out the Lead McKeesport Campaign – Addressing lead contamination in homes and schools.
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Environmental Justice Table (EJT) – A coalition fighting for stronger policies.
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Community Organizing – Educating and empowering residents to advocate for their health.
About
Mon Valley Deserves Better
Pollution and environmental neglect have deadly consequences.
Air Quality: A 412 Justice report highlights dangerous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas levels in Clairton, contributing to respiratory diseases.
Lead Poisoning: 10-14% of children in McKeesport and Duquesne have elevated blood lead levels, often due to contaminated water and aging homes (Allegheny County).
Health Impact: Between 640 and 1,370 people in Allegheny County die each year due to PM2.5 particulate pollution (Carnegie Mellon’s Breathe Project).
Food Apartheid and
Environmental Justice
Food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about systemic neglect.
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McKeesport’s food insecurity rate is 31%, far exceeding state and national levels.
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Limited access to fresh produce forces communities into reliance on unhealthy food options.
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TAAG and Penn State University (PSU) have conducted listening sessions, emphasizing self-determination in food access and urban agriculture solutions.
