This bonus episode features audio from a virtual event on 2/24/21, hosted by Chicago DSA and the DSA AfroSOC caucus in conversation with members of the #StopGeneralIron hunger strike.

For the past 27 days, Southeast Side residents have been on a hunger strike to demand the City of Chicago deny the final permit for an environmentally destructive recycling plant owned by General Iron.

The hunger strikers are denouncing environmentally racist policies that continue to allow polluting industry to accumulate in Chicago's communities of color. The city has lacked transparency, participation and fairness in its permitting process for the proposed relocation of General Iron. The hunger strikers say they are willing to risk their well-being during a global pandemic to put an end to racist zoning policies that have continued for decades.

The proposed site for the massive industrial metal shredder would be next to residential areas, schools, parks, and the Calumet River. Existing pollution threats continue to burden the Southeast Side and residents have continued to express serious concerns about the rushed permitting process that has shut out community feedback.

Thanks to the hosts and panelists for letting us share their stories and perspectives on AirGo!

SHOW NOTES

Come to a socially distant rally at Mayor Lightfoot's house (3325 w Wrightwood Ave) on 3/4/2021 at 5pm!

Support the hunger strike by donating to their GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-hunger-strikers-for-environmental-justice

Follow the campaign on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHIhungerstrike