Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Urban Waterways Symposium

Saturday, March 28, 2015 Thurgood Marshall Academy Washington, DC

1 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM MISSION

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE The purpose of this symposium is to convene advocates working on the ground in local regions to exchange experiences, best practices, 9–9:45 a.m. and solutions as well as develop national links and networks focused Continental Breakfast & Check–In on environmental activism, urban waterways, and local communities. (Cafeteria) We are excited about the prospect of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and concerns including not-for-profit and 9:45–9:55 a.m. community leaders, scholars, and activists to provide information Welcoming Remarks and informed experience to benefit residents, researchers, and 10:00–11:15 a.m. decision-makers. Session 1a. Education & Practice The symposium’s collaborative convening partners are Turkey Creek (Room 207) Community Initiatives, Turkey Creek, MS; The City Project, Los 10:00–11:15 a.m. Angeles, CA; Parks and People Foundation, Baltimore, MD; Anacostia Watershed Society, Bladensburg, MD; 11th Street Bridge Project and Session 1b. Recreation & the Urban Waterways Federal Partnership, both in Washington, DC; Environmentalism (Room 209) and the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmen­ 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. tal Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia. Session 2a. Models in Grassroots The Urban Waterways Project is a long-term research and educa­ Leadership (Room 209) tional initiative based upon research on the Anacostia River and its watershed as well as research examining how people engage with 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. urban rivers in other communities. Formerly the Eastern Branch, the Session 2b. Collaboration Anacostia River has long been considered one of the nation’s most Techniques (Room 207) troubled urban rivers. The watershed covers more than 175 square 1:00–2:15 p.m. miles and is one of the nation’s most densely populated. The challenges Keynote Address & Lunch facing the Anacostia River are problems that confront other rivers in (Cafeteria) the industrialized world. The project explores the impact of environmen­ tal burdens, resource depletion on urban communities, as well as the 2:30–3:45 p.m. interplay of environmental and social conditions. It also examines Session 3a. Waterfront approaches and solutions on national and international levels through Development (Room 209) the study of civic oversight, community engagement, and environmental efforts. The Urban Waterways Project has been undertaken by the Anacostia 2:30–3:45 p.m. Community Museum with our local and national partners. Session 3b. The project is particularly focused on working with communities on the front- Gentrification line and most affected by development and environmental impacts. The project & New Urbanism seeks to 1) create cross-disciplinary dialogue among scholars, government officials, (Room 207) organizers, activists, and scientists; 2) elicit first-hand information from residents 3:45 p.m. of local communities, and 3) engage with local residents and other interested Closing Remarks parties with ongoing activities that will enable their participation in reclamation, and Video Clips restoration, and appropriate redevelopment of their urban waterways and surround­ ing communities. Support for the project was made possible by the Smithsonian Consortium for Understanding the American Experience and the Consortium for Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet. 2 Selected Urban Waterways Project Efforts and Engagement

Research and Documentation Onsite ACM project team members documented how local, traditionally marginalize Documentation community members are developing strategies to bring their voices to local decision making. Documentation was conducted in Southeast Washington and adjacent communities and East London in 2012; Los Angeles and Hawai’i in 2013; and Baltimore and Turkey Creek, Mississippi, in 2014. Photograph More than 1,000 photographs have recorded such Anacostia River activities as Documentation the installation of Bangalong Trash Trap, Rice Rangers activities, festivals, Anacostia Watershed Society river clean ups, rowing competitions, recreational uses of the river, and the shad release program. Survey of Attitudes In January 2012, with the help of three interns, the museum surveyed 289 members and Uses of the of three faith communities east of the river: East Washington Baptist Church, Our Lady Anacostia River of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, and Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ. Key Environmental Documentation of key environmental issues and sites in Washington DC’s Wards Issues and Sites in 7 and 8 was developed entitled Sites of Contention. Some key environmental issues Washington DC’s have included the Kenilworth Dump, Pepco plant, and the history of Kingman Island, Wards 7 and 8 Navy Yard, and other illegal dumps sites. Urban Waterways Over 40 Interview have been conducted of activist, stakeholder and decision makers Oral History Program documenting urban waterways issues in Washington DC; London; Louisville, Kentucky; Los Angles and Baltimore, Maryland.

Network Development Urban Waterways More than 30 articles in the October 2013, May 2014, and February 2015 issues Newsletter covered the activities and strategies of our community partners in the Urban Waterways network. Articles highlighted collaboration between Latino organizers in Los Angeles and government agencies to improve the Los Angeles River; the environmental stewardship of Hawai’ian eighth graders at their school; efforts in Turkey Creek, Mississippi, to recover from Mississippi River pollution; and how communities are using art to engage citizens in protecting their watersheds. Community Forums Fifteen community forums with 75 presenters were held over the past four years. These events involved in-depth dialogue among environmental activists, agency leaders, federal and local government officials, and citizen stakeholders. Among the topics addressed were strategies for improving distressed waterways and waterfronts, including specific issues of civic concern and responsibility such as waste to energy, waterfront development, and green jobs. continues >

1 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Selected Urban Waterways Project Efforts and Engagement CONTINUED

Community Voice Through collaboration with American University School of Communication, 15 Project students partnered with seven local community members to produce River Stories, a series of seven videos.

Education and Engagement Major Exhibition Based on research by the museum on the history, public use, and attitudes toward the Anacostia River and its watershed and reviews of urban waterway developments in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Louisville, London, and Shanghai, Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement explored various issues regarding human interaction with natural resources in an urban setting. The exhibition looked at densely populated watersheds and rivers as barriers to racial and ethnic integra­ tion and examined civic attempts to recover, clean up, re-imagine, or engineer urban rivers for community access and use. Reclaiming the Edge featured 75 objects, 16 artworks, 170 images, and five video stations, with original materials produced for the exhibition. Highlights included artworks by Chinese artist Zhang Jian-Jun, Chicano artist Leo Limón, and renowned Anacostia River photographer Bruce McNeil. Independent filmmaker Peter Byck contributed a piece on Louisville’s Waterfront Development Corporation and the Waterfront Park. The exhibition was curated by Gail S. Lowe; John R. Wennersten PhD, professor emeritus of the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, served as consulting scholar. Citizen Science Program This out-of-school scientific inquiry based program for 140 middle and high school students is presented in partnership with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and the United Planning Organization Youth Services Division. The community stewardship project involves collecting bio­ logical, chemical, and habitat data from five tributaries of the Anacostia River and developing a database. Future plans and student initiatives may include tracing and documenting possible pollution influences and developing solutions and recommendations. Public Programs Nearly 40 public workshops, films, fieldtrips, and in-school programming engaged participants in urban waterways issues. Highlights included a three-part photographic expedition on the Anacostia River with photographer Bruce McNeil; a day-long pro­ gram for teachers featuring a tour of the exhibition, visit to the Aquatic Resources Education Center, and a water testing project; a poetry program with Lewis MacAdams, founder of Friends of the Los Angeles River, and United Planning Organization’s youth group; watershed explorations and off-site tours; summer youth educational fieldtrips; and a STEAM-based workshop for teachers and stu­ dents on “Slick Fish Anatomy.”

2 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM In Memory of Dr. Gail Lowe

The Anacostia Community Museum is sad to announce the passing of our beloved colleague and dear friend, Dr. Gail S. Lowe. Gail passed on January 27, 2015. At the time of her death she was the principal investigator and the brain behind the museum’s Urban Waterways Initiative where she worked tirelessly on research and documentation efforts, the development of a national symposium and a pub­ lication. She was the co-curator of the exhibition, Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement. Dr. Lowe served as senior historian and head of the museum’s Publications Department. She was the museum’s specialist on African American religious and spiritual traditions and taught a series of workshops on how to develop and main­ tain church archives. Gail gave 28 years of service to the Smithsonian and was a true gift to the Anacostia Community Museum. She curated many exhibitions including but not limited to Banding Together: School Bands as Instruments of Opportunity and the 1998 exhibition, Speak to My Heart: Communities of Faith and Contemporary African American Life where she received numerous accolades. Gail was the author and editor of a number of publications including A Differ­ ent Drummer: John Kinard and the Anacostia Museum 1967-1989 (with Zora Felton), and East of the River: Continuity and Change which is a collection of essays. A native Washingtonian, Gail held a BA from Harvard University /Radcliffe College in US history; a MA in American history from Yale University; an MA in library science from the Catholic University of America; and a PhD in American Civilization from The George Washington University. She was a member of the Association of African American Museums, The Association for State and Local History, and the National Capital and Suburban Area Congregational Library Council. Dr. Lowe has served as a member of the District of Columbia’s Historic Preservation Review Board since 1996 and presented papers at a variety of schol­ arly and professional conferences. Gail mentored many graduate students, researchers, community historians, curators, and other professionals. Not only did Dr. Lowe offer advice and coun­ seling, she also worked side-by-side with them, coaching them through script­ writing, program planning, and other aspects of professional museum life. She offered a soothing and calming voice during crises and was known for her gener­ osity and wonderful spirit in both her professional and private lives. We will miss her infectious smile, words of encouragement and wisdom, men­ torship, and contributions to preserving the past and documenting the future. Dr. Lowe had a passion for the Urban Waterways Project so we as coordinators, pre­ senters, collaborators and participants are charged to continue the conversation, document the findings, collaborate and reconvene around Urban Waterways Ini­ tiatives. We mourn her loss, celebrate her life, and will forever cherish her memory.

3 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Agenda

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST 9:00–9:45 a.m.

WELCOMING REMARKS 9:45–9:55 a.m. Sharon Reinckens Deputy Director, Anacostia Community Museum Jenelle Cooper Tolson, Public Affairs Specialist, Anacostia Community Museum

Issues of This theme addresses issues and impacts that have turned rivers from pristine densely waterways of fresh water supply into rank sewers that create challenges for public populated health. It examines the approaches various groups have used to find solutions to watersheds the problems plaguing urban waterways.

Education & Practice Local education is a vital tool in promoting awareness of and action to protect 10:00–11:15 a.m. urban watersheds and revitalize communities. This panel examines model educa­ tion projects and programs that promote green space, eliminate urban blight, and advocate for green jobs creation.

MODERATOR Josh Burch, Washington, DC, Environmental Protection Specialist, District Department of the Environment

PANELISTS Christina Bradley, Baltimore, Assistant Director, Green Infrastructure and Project Design, Parks & People Foundation Jim Foster, Washington, DC, President, Anacostia Watershed Society Dr. Charles Pe’ape’a Makawalu Burrows, Honolulu, Hawai’i, Co-president, Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi John Quail, Chicago, Director of Watershed Planning, Friends of the Chicago River

Recreation & Respect and value for waterways are promoted by those who know and use them Environmentalism the most. This panel acknowledges the efforts of boaters, rowers, and youth 10:00–11:15 a.m. sports to connect recreation, environmental awareness, and action.

MODERATOR Lee Cain, Washington, DC, Director of Recreation, Anacostia Watershed Society

PANELISTS Raul Macías, Los Angeles, Founder, Anahuak Youth Soccer Association Bob Martin, Washington, DC, Co-founder, Seafarers Yacht Club Dayana Molina, Los Angeles, Organizer, The City Project Jennifer Ney, Washington, DC, President, Anacostia Community Boathouse Association 4 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Urban waterways Pollution and industrial development of riverfronts have historically had a and diverse disproportionate impact on poor and ethnically diverse populations. This panel populations examines rivers as belts of or barriers to racial and ethnic segregation.

Models in Citizen leaders advocating for change in their communities have been at the Grassroots heart of urban watershed advocacy. This panel of grassroots leaders discusses Leadership their approaches to and results in community action and organizing. 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. MODERATOR Vernice Miller-Travis, Vice Chair, Maryland State Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities

PANELISTS Dennis Chestnut, Washington, DC, Executive Director, Groundwork Anacostia DC Derrick Evans, Turkey Creek, Turkey Creek, Mississippi, Director, Turkey Creek Community Initiatives Irma Munoz, Los Angeles, Founder and President, Mujeres de la Tierra Inez Robb, Baltimore, Member, Watershed 263 Community Council

Collaboration Creating partnerships across multiple networks is crucial in achieving positive Techniques outcomes for all stakeholders involved in waterway issues. This panel discusses 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. the efforts and impacts of collaboration.

MODERATOR Sabine O’Hara, Washington, DC, Dean and Director of Land-grant Programs, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), University of the District of Columbia

PANELISTS Robert García, Los Angeles, Founding Director and Counsel, The City Project Adam Ortiz, Largo, MD, Director, Department of the Environment, Prince George’s County Doug Siglin, Washington, DC, Executive Director, Anacostia River Initiative, Federal City Council Reverend Nathaniel Thomas, Forestville, MD, Pastor, Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church

5 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Agenda CONTINUED

LUNCH & KEYNOTE Remarks, Camille Giraud Akeju, Director, Anacostia Community Museum 1:00–2:15 p.m. Keynote Address, Anthony Williams National rivers This theme explores new experiences in city planning and building, specifically in and urban waterfront development. It also assesses the role the river plays in creating wilder- development ness and an environmental “place” within the urban experience.

Waterfront Waterfront development is largely seen as positive for local communities, a way Development to enhance the aesthetic of a city, encourage tourism, and promote economic 2:30–3:45 p.m. development and demographic growth. These types of projects improve the quality of communities and the environment while encouraging economic development.

MODERATOR Jack Wennersten, Washington, DC, Historian and Author

PANELISTS Alexis Goggans, Washington, DC, Community Planner, DC Office of Planning David Karem, Louisville, KY, President, Waterfront Development Corporation Scott Kratz, Washington, DC, Director, 11th Street Bridge Park Project Elisabeth (Lisa) Schroeder, Baltimore, President and CEO, Parks & People Foundation

Gentrification Rapid development and dramatic population shifts along rehabilitated waterfronts & New Urbanism have historically created conflict with long-established residents pushed out of their 2:30–3:45 p.m. neighborhoods by rising real estate costs. Exploring new urbanism approaches ensures that the benefits of these redevelopment projects are equitably shared with the original members of the community.

MODERATOR Doug Herman, Washington, DC, Senior Geographer, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

PANELISTS Uwe Brandes, Washington, DC, Executive Director, Master of Professional Studies in Urban and Regional Planning Program, Georgetown University Winifred Curran, Chicago, Associate Professor of Geography, DePaul University Dwane Jones, Washington, DC, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, University of the District of Columbia Vernice Miller-Travis, Vice Chair, Maryland State Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities

CLOSING REMARKS AND VIDEO CLIPS 3:45–4:00 p.m. Sharon Reinckens 6 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists

Keynote Anthony A. Williams Tony Williams, the former mayor of Washington, DC (1999–2007), is chief executive Executive Director and officer of the Federal City Council, an organization that focuses the creative and CEO, Federal City Council, administrative talents of Washington’s business and professional leaders on major Washington, DC problems and opportunities facing the District. He is widely credited with leading the comeback of Washington during his two terms as mayor, restoring the finances of our nation’s capital and improving the performance of government agencies, all while lowering taxes and investing in infrastructure and human services. In addition to his duties with the Federal City Council, Mayor Williams is a senior consultant to McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP. He serves on several company boards as well as the boards of Fight for Children and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Prior to Federal City Council, he led the global government practice at the Corporate Executive Board in Arlington, VA. He also taught public finance and urban leader­ ship as the William H. Bloomberg Lecturer in Public Management at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government while coordinating programs for the Project on Municipal Innovation at the school’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. Before his election as mayor, Mayor Williams was the independent chief financial officer of the District from 1995 to 1998, working with and on behalf of local offi­ cials, the DC Financial Control Board, and the US Congress. Before his service in local Washington government, Mayor Williams worked in a variety of positions in federal, state, and local government, including as the first CFO for the US Depart­ ment of Agriculture, appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the US Senate. Mayor Williams holds a BA from Yale, an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a JD from the Harvard Law School, as well as a number of awards and hon­ orary degrees, including Governing Magazine Public Official of the Year in 1997. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and former presi­ dent of the National League of Cities.

7 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Education and Practice MODERATOR Josh Burch Josh Burch manages stream restoration projects in Wards 7 and 8 for the District Environmental Protection Department of the Environment (DDOE). Prior to joining DDOE, Mr. Burch Specialist, District worked for several DC not-for-profits focused on job training and environmental Department of the Environ- stewardship. ment, Washington, DC

PANELISTS Christina Bradley A licensed landscape architect, Christina Bradley oversees staff in the outreach, project Assistant Director of Green management, implementation, and construction management of more than Infrastructure and Design, $8 million in watershed restoration projects. Ms. Bradley is a graduate of the Parks & People landscape architecture program at the University of Maryland, College Park, with Foundation, Baltimore over seven years of experience in the field. The majority of Parks & People’s projects are located in Baltimore City’s Watershed 263 for demonstration purposes, but they reach across the city. Improvement types vary, including urban tree canopy efforts, but all engineered facilities are small-scale, ultra-urban retrofits .01–.5 acres in size. Projects focus on green infrastructure approaches that not only treat stormwater, but also improve quality of life for users of vacant lots, schools, and parks. Parks & People works to coordinate these efforts with city and state agencies, community groups, residents, not-for-profits, and consultants through progress and partnership meet­ ings, briefings, technical assistance, and environmental education. James R. Foster James Foster leads the organization on its mission to restore the Anacostia River President, Anacostia to fishable and swimmable condition by 2025. He is committed to resolving local Watershed Society, water quality issues at the source, resolving legacy toxic sediments in the river, Washington, DC reducing trash, improving polluted runoff quality, and reducing quantity through stewardship, public affairs, education, and recreation programs and events. The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) works to build partnerships among stake­ holders, advocates for the river, engages communities about the watershed, restores wetlands, implements demonstration projects, and strives to improve access to the river. AWS administers the District Department of the Environment’s RiverSmart Homes, Communities, Schools, and Rooftops programs, Watershed 8 Stewards Academy, and trash traps at Nash Run and River Terrace. These robust URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM programs help embed dem­ onstration projects in the com­ munity while reducing stormwater impact to the river. AWS recently led the Anacostia River Watertrail design work to completion, collaborating with the National Park Service and many stakeholders. Mr. Foster lives with his wife and two boys on the Chesapeake Bay and is commit­ ted to clean water. Charles K. Burrows Dr. Charles Pe`ape`a Makawalu Kekuewa Burrows retired from the Kamehameha Chair, Hui Kawainui– Schools in 2000 after serving 35 years as a science educator. He has served on Kailua Ka Wai Ola the boards of various Kailua community and Hawaiian organizations and continues (The group that cares to advocate for the protection, conservation, and restoration of the cultural and for the Living Waters in natural resources in Kawainui Marsh and the watershed of Kailua. Kawainui-Kailua), He is currently involved in forming a community water resources working group to Honolulu, Hawai’i improve the water quality and wetland wildlife habitats of Kawainui/Hamakua and the watershed of Kailua. In addition to the stewardship of Kawainui, Dr. Burrows has served on state com­ missions and environmental groups. He has represented Hawaiian and religious organizations such as the Hawaii Interfaith Power and Light and the UCC Church of the Crossroads in partnering with Native Alaskans and the Alaskan Wilderness League to conserve and protect the Arctic natural and cultural resources from oil exploitation affecting climate change. Dr. Burrows earned his BA in biology and chemistry from Linfield College, MEd in biology and MS in earth sciences from Oregon State University, and an EdD in instructional systems technology from Indiana University. John Quail John Quail has been a staff member at Friends since 2000. In his current role, he Director of Watershed coordinates Chicago River advocacy work in collaboration with Friends’ executive Planning, Friends of the director. He also leads the development and implementation of Friends’ wetland Chicago River, Chicago and river corridor restoration projects, with a particular focus on promoting eco­ logically sound stormwater management practices at all scales. Prior to working with Friends, Mr. Quail was a staff member of the Washtenaw County (Michigan) Department of Public Works. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.

9 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Recreation and Environment MODERATOR Lee Cain Lee Cain grew up on the Chesapeake Bay fishing and crabbing as a boy and Director of Recreation, has a deep passion for the waterways of this region. He began working at the Anacostia Watershed Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) in 2006 as an environmental educator Society, Washington, DC leading canoe trips, plantings, and developing programs to help people of the area learn more about the Anacostia and what they can do to help. Today as director of recreation at AWS, Mr. Cain is developing the Anacostia Water Trail. He is passionate about helping people grow their relationship with the Anacostia River, because when people own it, they care about it. PANELISTS Charles “Bob” Martin Charles “Bob” Martin, the middle child of five, grew up on Capitol Hill. His love Seafarers Yacht Club, of the water started at the age of eight when he got his first job at a seafood stall Washington, DC cleaning fish. He and a friend would have their lunches on the banks of the Tidal Basin and watch the paddle boats moving back and forth across the water. At the age of 12, with the help of a neighbor, Mr. Martin built a kayak, and by 1962 he and some friends had formed the D.C. Mariners. In 1965 he co-founded the Seafarers Yacht Club. The organization was formed by the merger of the D.C. Mariners and the Seafarers Boating Club, an organization founded by Mr. Martin’s former teacher Lewis T. Green in 1945. Despite the slight change in name, the club’s mission remained the same: a commitment to boating safety, community service, and equal access to the Anacostia River. In 1985 the Seafarers Yacht Club held the first Anacostia River cleanup which went on to become Anacostia River Cleanup day held every spring. Jennifer Ney Jennifer Ney is president of the largest community-oriented paddling and rowing President, Anacostia facility in the Washington area. A competitive rower herself, Ms. Ney worked with Community Boathouse the DC City Council, the mayor, and several federal and local agencies to design Association, and build a new public training facility that opened in June 2010. Washington, DC The Anacostia Community Boathouse Association is home to 10 scholastic and community-based organizations that are working to introduce thousands of children and adults to the joy of non-motorized boating, connect neighborhoods along the river to the waterfront, and build a spirit of environmental stewardship through increased recreational usage. The organization provides competitive and recreational instruction, offers special programs for breast cancer survivors and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, maintains a buoyed race course, and hosts some of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region. 10 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Ms. Ney also serves as vice president for public policy at City Year, an education- focused, not-for-profit that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time AmeriCorps service to help address the nation’s high school dropout crisis and turn around low-performing schools. With more than 20 years of experience in congressional affairs, Ms. Ney oversees City Year’s legislative strategy and seeks policy change that will expand and strengthen the nation’s volunteer sector. Dayana Molina Before joining The City Project, Dayana Molina was a volunteer organizer and Organizer, The City community advocate for Anahuak Youth Sports Association. Beginning at age 13, Project, Los Angeles she became a youth leader in the community struggle to stop commercial projects and create Los Angeles State Historic Park at Taylor Yard and Río de Los Angeles State Park at the Cornfield. Ms. Molina is a Dreamer. She immigrated to the United States from Mexico with her family when she was eight years old. She was undocumented here until May 2013, when she received Dreamer status under President Barack Obama’s pro­ gram for young undocumented residents. Ms. Molina continues to work on green­ ing efforts throughout Los Angeles, the state, and the nation. Raul Macías Raul Macías is a first-generation immigrant from Guadalajara, Mexico. When President and Founder, Anahuak Youth Sports Association, a non-profit soccer league, ran out of places to Anahuak Youth Sports play in 2000, Mr. Macías became a leader in the effort to create new state parks Association, Los Angeles to serve urban needs. He helped stop a commercial development at an abandoned rail yard in favor of creating what is now the 40-acre Río de Los Angeles State Park at Taylor Yard. Mr. Macías also supported the creation of the nearby Los Angeles State Historic Park at the Cornfield. The community victories at Taylor Yard and the Cornfield kicked off plans to green the 52-mile Los Angeles River. Through Anahuak, Mr. Macías has touched the lives of children and families in Northeast Los Angeles communi­ ties for over 20 years. He uses soccer as an organizing tool to empower low-income and underserved youth, families, and communities.

11 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Models in Grassroots Leadership MODERATOR Vernice Miller-Travis Vernice Miller-Travis has over 25 years of experience in policy development and is Senior Associate, sought after for her expertise in collaborative problem solving, multi-stakeholder Skeo Solutions, design and planning, environmental justice, equitable development, brownfields Charlottesville, VA redevelopment, and community revitalization. Ms. Miller-Travis’s interests have focused on environmental restoration and the inclusion of low-income people of color and indigenous communities in environmental decision making at the fed­ eral, state, local, and tribal levels. Prior to joining Skeo Solutions, Ms. Miller-Travis served as director of the Environmental Justice Initiative of the Natural Resources Defense Council, program officer at the Ford Foundation, executive director of Groundwork USA, and co-founder of We ACT for Environmental Justice. She also serves on the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council to the US Environmental Protection Agency, and as vice chair of the Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities. Dennis Chestnut Dennis Chestnut is a native Washingtonian and a lifetime resident of the city’s Executive Director, Ward 7. He is a master carpenter and educator by profession, but his dedication Groundwork Anacostia to youth development, community improvement, and civic duty has led to his River DC, Washington, DC involvement in many enriching experiences. Growing up in the far-northeast sec­ tion of the city, Mr. Chestnut became connected to its many green spaces, parks, streams, and the Anacostia River. A lover of the outdoors, he has a passion for conservation and the environment and has advised many community, business, and government leaders on civic engagement issues. Mr. Chestnut is founding executive director of Groundwork Anacostia River DC, co-founder of the Center for Green Urbanism (a green business incubator), and chairman of the Friends of Watts Branch (a sub-watershed organization). He is also a board member of Casey Trees Foundation, SEED DC Public Charter School, The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Mayor’s Sustainable DC Green Ribbon Committee, and United for a Healthy Anacostia River Coalition. Mr. Chestnut has received numerous awards, including the Greater Washington Interfaith Partnership Vision Award and the Lankford/Giles/Vaughn Minority Architect Award for Community Activism.

12 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Derrick Christopher Evans Derrick Evans is an educator, historian, community builder, and humanitarian. Director, Turkey Creek He is a sixth-generation native of coastal Mississippi’s historic African-American Community Initiatives, community Turkey Creek, which was founded by his former slave ancestors. Mississippi Mr. Evans earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history, African-American studies, and education from Boston College, where he taught US civil rights history from 1992 to 2005. He taught middle school American history and social studies in a Boston public school from 1991 to 2001 and has taught undergraduate his­ tory, social science, and humanities courses at Roxbury Community College and Harvard College. In 1997 Mr. Evans co-founded Epiphany School, a full-service and tuition-free independent middle school for low-income children from Boston neighborhoods. Mr. Evans is co-founder of Bridge the Gulf, a community storytelling and journalism project focused on endangered Gulf Coast communities, ecosystems, and cultures, and of the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health, which directs financial, technical, and collegial support to community groups contending with increased social, cultural, and environmental displacement since Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Prior to this, Mr. Evans founded Turkey Creek Community Initiatives to conserve and restore the culture, ecology, and self-determination of his ancestral Turkey Creek community and watershed. Inez Robb A life-long Baltimore resident, Inez Robb has been a resident of the Sandtown- Community Activist, Winchester neighborhood, located in Watershed 263, for 28 years. A retired lead Baltimore information technology specialist with the Social Security Administration, Ms. Robb has been an active member in her community, holding such positions as president of the Fulton Community Association and later president of the Western District Police Council. It was through her work with a variety of community organizations that she became familiar with the work of Parks & People Foundation. As part of her first project, Ms. Robb led a grant-funded effort to plant flowers along her block. More than 15 years later, she has continued in her efforts with her involvement in the Watershed 263 Council, which is focused on revitalizing urban communities by concentrating on strategies that improve both water quality and quality of life through greening or urban forestry projects. Her advice for residents who want to make a difference in their communities is to get involved with their community associations, find out what’s happening in their communities, and share their ideas.

13 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Irma R. Muñoz Irma Muñoz is founder and president of Mujeres de la Tierra (Women of the President and CEO, Earth) an avant-garde environmental not-for-profit focused on healing La Madre Tierra Mujeres de la Tierra, (Mother Earth) and re-defining the traditional “green” dialogue in Los Angeles. Los Angeles She firmly believes in the power of one and that community action starts with indi­

vidual participation. She also believes that the families and residents of neighbor­ hoods should have the power and right to lead/own their issues and determine what’s best for them, their families, and community. Ms. Muñoz has held many positions in the public sector. The position she is most proud of is her presidential appointment to the US Small Business Administration in Washington, DC, during the Clinton Administration. She currently serves on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy board of directors as an appointee of the mayor of Los Angeles and is a governor’s appointee to the Los Angeles County Regional Water Quality Control Board. Ms. Muñoz earned her BA from the University of California, San Diego, and her JD from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego.

Collaboration Techniques MODERATOR Sabine O’Hara Dr. Sabine O’Hara is responsible for the Land-grant Program’s academic, research, Dean and Director of and community outreach programs and is Land-grant Programs, leading UDC’s efforts to build a College of Agriculture, cutting-edge model for urban Urban Sustainability, and agriculture that improves the Environmental Sciences quality of life and eco­ (CAUSES), University of nomic opportunity for the District of Columbia, urban populations. Washington, DC

14 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Robert García Robert García is an attorney who engages, educates, and empowers communities Founding Director and to achieve equal access to public resources. He is founding director and counsel Counsel, The City Project, of The City Project, a not-for-profit legal and policy team. He is also an assistant Los Angeles professor, Community Faculty, at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. In 2010 Mr. García received the President’s Award from the American Public Health Association. PODER Magazine named him one of the top 100 Latino Green Leaders. Hispanic Business magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential Latinos in the United States “who are changing the nation.” He influenced the investment of over $41 billion in underserved communities, work­ ing at the intersection of equal justice, public health, and the built environment. Mr. García graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Law School, where he served on the board of editors of the Stanford Law Review. Adam Ortiz Before joining Prince George’s County’s Department of the Environment, Adam Director, Prince George’s Ortiz launched and managed the “CountyStat” office for County Executive County Department of the Rushern L. Baker III. He also served as deputy chief of staff to Lieutenant Environment, Largo, MD Governor Anthony Brown and as a three-term mayor of Edmonston, MD.

Doug Siglin Doug Siglin is executive director of the Anacostia River Initiative, a project of Executive Director, Washington’s 60-year-old Federal City Council. The project seeks to catalyze the Anacostia River Initiative, creation of a model Anacostia Riverfront Park, on a clean river, with a significant Federal City Council, and positive impact on nearby neighborhoods. Mr. Siglin works closely on the Washington, DC project with Federal City Council’s CEO and former DC Mayor Anthony Williams. Mr. Siglin has spent more than three decades as an environmental policymaker with a special interest in urban clean water and its relationship to urban quality of life. Following several years as a congressional staffer, he led environmental policy and advocacy efforts for four prominent conservation organizations: The Nature Con­ servancy, World Wildlife Fund, American Rivers, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Mr. Siglin has been deeply involved in Anacostia River restoration efforts for 18 years. He has served as chair or co-chair of America’s Great Waters Coalition, Choose Clean Water Coalition, National Peace Corps Association, and Low Impact Development Center. He has also served on the governing boards of CARE, Sustainable DC, Smart Growth Alliance, Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light, and Greater Washington Metropolitan Dialogue. 15 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Reverend Dr. Nathaniel Thomas has served as pastor of Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Nathaniel B. Thomas Church in Forestville, MD, since 1993. Additionally, he is a licensed Independent Pastor, Forestville New Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) working with families and youth groups in Redeemer Baptist Church Washington, DC, and the greater metropolitan area. He serves on the executive, Forestville, MD board of the Baptist Ministers Conference and the board of directors of Centre Point Counseling Services, Inc. He has been involved in community outreach for many years. Dr. Thomas holds a bachelor of science degree, masters’ degrees in social work (therapeutic emphasis) and theology, and a doctorate in divinity. He received his degrees from Delaware State, Howard University School of Social Work, and Calvary Christian College. Dr. Thomas is married to the former Diane Willis, with three children, Matthew, Natali, and Dana. They are also blessed with four grandchildren, Kristen, Eryn, Matthew Allen, and Joshua Malik Nathaniel.

Waterfront Development MODERATOR John R. Wennersten John Wennersten is a historian-journalist who lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Historian and Author, DC. He is professor emeritus of American history at the University of Maryland, Washington, DC Eastern Shore. A nationally recognized writer and consultant on Chesapeake Bay affairs, his scholarly and freelance work regularly appears in national and regional periodicals, including US News & World Report, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, The Progressive, Nation, and Mother Earth News. Recently selected a Maryland Millennial Scholar by the Maryland Humanities Commission, he is a regular reviewer for Maryland Historical Magazine. His most recent book, Global Thirst: Water and Society in the 21st Century, was recently published by Schiffer Press. His previous book, Anacostia: The Death and Birth of An American River, is an environmental history of the Anacostia River. Dr. Wennersten’s academic achievements include tenured professorships at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, and Tokiwa University, Mito, Japan. He also held a visiting scholar appointment at Cambridge University and two Fulbright professorships at the National University of Singapore and University of Hong Kong. Wennersten and his wife, Ruth Ellen, are seasoned world travelers and have lived for extended periods in Europe and Asia.

16 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Alexis Goggans Alexis Goggans serves as special Neighborhood Planner, projects coordinator and project manager DC Office of Planning, for the St. Elizabeths-Congress Heights Washington, DC EcoDistrict. She received a BA from the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds an MS in sustainability from the University of Texas at Arlington. Born and raised near Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ms. Goggans discovered her passion for sustainability while working as diversity out­ reach coordinator for the Environmental Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In that role, she spear­ headed the campus’s first-ever environmental justice roundta­ ble, chaired the Environmental Justice Steering Committee, and coordinated campus events such as the National Climate Change Teach In. Upon graduation, Alexis interned with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies as a naturalist, tour guide, and caretaker at the Hallam Lake Nature Preserve. After working several years in information technology, Ms. Goggans completed her graduate studies in sustainable land use and moved to Washington, DC, where she managed the National River Cleanup Campaign for American Rivers and worked as civic engagement manager for Justice & Sustainability Associates. She lives in Historic Anacostia with her sister, niece, and longtime canine companion. David K. Karem As president of the Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation since its inception, downtown Louisville, KY. in 1986, David Karem has overseen the design, fundraising, construction, operation, President, Louisville and maintenance of Waterfront Park, an 85-acre nationally acclaimed public Waterfront Development park in the heart of Corporation, Louisville, KY Mr. Karem’s background includes a design degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning, a law degree from the University of Louisville, and 33 years in the Kentucky Legislature, including 24 years in Senate leadership. He has served as a juror for Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, the University of Kentucky Department of Landscape Architecture, Louisiana State University’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture Graduate Program, and AIA Memphis 2015 Design Awards. He has served on the Kentucky Board of Education since 2009, including a term as chair­ man from 2010–2013.

17 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Scott Kratz For the last four years, Scott Kratz has been working with the DC Office of Planning Director, 11th Street Bridge and the Ward 8 not-for-profit Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC on the Park, Washington, DC 11th Street Bridge Park, transforming an old freeway bridge into a park above the Anacostia River. Mr. Kratz has lived in Washington for the past 8 years. He has worked in the educa­ tion field for over 20 years and began his career teaching at Kidspace, a children’s museum in Pasadena, CA, and later as associate director of the Institute for the Study of the American West at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. While at the Autry, he supervised a staff that planned and implemented programs including theater, film, music, festivals, family programs, lecture series, and academic sym­ posia. Most recently, Mr. Kratz was vice president for education at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Elizabeth “Lisa” Lisa Schroeder is president and CEO of Parks & People Foundation, a not-for-profit Schroeder organization established more than 30 years ago to address the unique and chal- President & CEO, Parks lenging problems of Baltimore’s large, aging urban recreation and parks system. & People Foundation, Prior to joining Parks & People in early 2015, Ms. Schroeder was president & CEO Baltimore of Riverlife for 15 years, guiding its growth from a start-up into a civic force respon­ sible for the redevelopment of 63 additional acres of green landscapes, boat landings, trails, and bridge connections on Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfronts. Ms. Schroeder has received recognition as a local, national, and international spokesperson for the values of sustainable urbanism. With her career-long commitment to improving the quality of urban life comes a record of achievements working in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Ms. Schroeder’s broad-ranging experience with educational programming, com­ munity development, preservation, urban planning, environmental mitigation, fundraising, and civic design will serve Parks & People well as the organization enters an exciting phase of growth that will expand its impact and continue to create a greener, health­ ier, and safer city for all generations.

18 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Gentrification and New Urbanism MODERATOR R. Douglas K. Herman A PhD graduate from the University of Hawaii Department of Geography, Doug Senior Geographer, Herman created the Pacific Worlds Indigenous-Geography education project Smithsonian National (www.pacificworlds.com), working with communities in Hawaii and Micronesia to Museum of the American document their place-based cultural heritage. Indian, Washington, DC From 2009–2011, Dr. Herman did research in Hawaii for a proposed National Museum of the American Indian exhibition, Aloha ‘Ana: Hawaii, the Canoe and the World. That project explores how the values of the voyaging canoe translate into how to live on small, isolated islands, with lessons for how all of us may live sustainably on “Island Earth.”

PANELISTS Uwe S. Brandes Uwe Brandes has over 20 years of experience in the planning, design, and con- Founding Executive struction of new buildings, public infrastructure, and the urban landscape. Until Director, Master of recently Mr. Brandes was senior vice president at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Professional Studies in where he directed research and global programs on climate change and sustainable Urban and Regional urban development. He created ULI’s Climate Change Land Use and Energy (CLUE) Planning Program, initiative and was instrumental in institutionalizing the ULI Greenprint Center for Georgetown University, Building Performance, ULI’s dedicated research on the carbon perfor mance of Washington, DC real estate assets. Prior to ULI, Uwe served as director of capital projects for the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation and associate director of the DC Office of Planning where he man­ aged creation of the multi-agency Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. He oversaw the planning, urban design, and public approvals of several hallmark development projects, including the new US Department of Transportation headquarters, Arthur Capper Hope VI housing project, Washington Nationals ballpark, Yards/Diamond Teague waterfront parks, and the rezoning of hundreds of acres of waterfront lands. Winifred Curran Winifred Curran’s research explores the effects of gentrification on the remaking Associate Professor of of the urban landscape through policies as varied as zoning, industrial policy, environ- Geography, DePaul mental remediation, education, and policing in cities like New York, Chicago, University, Chicago London, and Mexico City. Dr. Curran received her PhD from Clark University.

19 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Panelists CONTINUED

Dwane Jones Dwane Jones is director of the Center for Sustainable Development, a division of Director, Center for the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences Sustainable Development, (CAUSES). Dr. Jones and his colleagues conduct research and teach courses in University of the District of urban sustainability, urban design, urban planning public policy and health, Columbia, Washington, DC research and ethics and low-impact development. He has degrees in urban planning, environmental planning, and urban design.

Vernice Miller-Travis Vernice Miller-Travis has over 25 years of experience in policy development and is Senior Associate, sought after for her expertise in collaborative problem solving, multi-stakeholder Skeo Solutions, design and planning, environmental justice, equitable development, brownfields Charlottesville, VA redevelopment and community revitalization. Ms. Miller-Travis’s interests have focused on environmental restoration and the inclusion of low-income, people of color and indigenous communities in environmental decision making at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels. Prior to joining Skeo Solutions, Ms. Miller-Travis served as director of the Environ­ mental Justice Initiative of the Natural Resources Defense Council, program officer at the Ford Foundation, executive director of Groundwork USA, and co-founder of We ACT for Environmental Justice. She also serves on the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council to the US Environmental Protection Agency, and as vice chair of the Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities.

20 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Acknowledgments

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum would like to thank our symposium collaborators:

11th Street Bridge Park Project Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi Anacostia Community Boathouse Association Anacostia Watershed Society Anahuak Youth Soccer Association DC Office of Planning and Economic Development DePaul University District Department of the Environment Federal City Council Friends of the Chicago River Friends of the Los Angeles River Georgetown University Groundwork Anacostia Jack Wennersten, author of Death and Life of an American River (2008) Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club Maryland State Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities Mujeres de la Tierra New Redeemer Baptist Church Parks & People Foundation Prince George’s County Department of the Environment Seafarers Yacht Club Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History The City Project Turkey Creek Community Initiatives University of the District of Columbia Urban Waterways Federal Partnership Waterfront Development Corporation, Louisville Watershed 263 Community Council

Support for the project was made possible by the Smithsonian Consortium for Understanding the American Experience and the Consortium for Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet.

21 URBAN WATERWAYS SYMPOSIUM Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

The mission of the Anacostia Community Museum is to enhance understanding of contemporary urban experiences and strengthen community bonds by conserving the past, documenting the present, and serving as a catalyst for shaping the future.

Our vision is to challenge perceptions, generate new knowledge, and deepen understanding about the ever- changing concepts and realities of communities.

1901 Fort Place SE Washington, DC 20020

General Information 202.633.4820 Monday–Friday 202.633.1000 Saturday–Sunday 202.287.3183 Fax

Hours Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed December 25

Admission Free

Tours For group tours, call 202.633.4870

Parking Museum parking lot and on-street parking Accessible to people with disabilities

www.anacostia.si.edu

facebook.com/SmithsonianAnacostiaCommunityMuseum

twitter.com/AnacostiaMuseum, #ACMUWS

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