Lois Gibbs (1951 - )

Mon Jun 25, 1951

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Lois Marie Gibbs, born on this day in 1951, is an environmental activist whose advocacy began after discovering that her 5-year-old son’s elementary school and neighborhood in Niagara Falls, New York was built on a toxic waste dump.

After this revelation, she formed the Love Canal Homeowner’s Association, and began fighting at the local, state, and federal level for action, framing the issue as one of children’s health. After years of struggle, the waste finally began to be cleaned up, and 833 families were eventually evacuated.

She continues to work with the organization, now renamed the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice (CHEJ).