April L. Brown, Marshallese Education Initiative
albrown@mei.ngo for more information
June 29-July 1 – zoom
Dear Friends,
The Marshallese Educational Initiative welcomes you to attend (virtually) a series of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the first nuclear test in the Marshall Islands:
Our Shared Nuclear Legacy: Assessing Health Impacts and Inequality on the 75th Anniversary of the First Nuclear Test
The coronavirus pandemic has had a disproportionate impact upon Marshallese in diaspora due, in part, to the ongoing consequences of US nuclear testing. To mark the 75th anniversary (July 1, 1946 Pacific) of the first nuclear test on Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands, MEI will host a series of events to address the US-RMI nuclear legacy and assess core issues that have led to health inequities. Events will also address the impact of the linked climate crisis upon Marshallese bodies and lands, as well as the broader impact of climate change and the coronavirus pandemic upon nuclear affected communities and communities of color.
Our events are not intended to highlight the spectacle of the bomb, but rather to educate (youth), commemorate (with the community), and assess (with all communities, specifically nuclear affected community members and communities of color) the legacy of nuclear testing and climate change through the prism of health.
Day 1: Youth Day (Closed event, June 29)
In-person events will focus on Marshallese youth and are intended to empower and raise awareness of the US-RMI nuclear testing history, climate realities beyond sea level rise, nuclear nonproliferation efforts, specifically the TPNW, and available avenues for activism in support of climate action and nuclear nonproliferation. Presenters include: Christian Ciobanu, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Kendra Pinto, Diné, Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation
Day 2: Commemoration
Commemoration – June 30, 6-7:15 PM CST (July 1st Pacific) Center for Nonprofits, JTL Atrium
Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OXVXknK0Sm6JMHHmwuhfpQ
On the date of the 75th anniversary, MEI will host an evening commemoration ceremony for the Marshallese community and general public. In-person attendance is limited.
Day 3: Panels
Panels – July 1, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, CST (July 2nd Pacific), NWACC Washington County
Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EdV4B7UHQa-z2txCcIlNgw
Two facilitated panels will address inequities in health: one focused on nuclear issues and a second on climate issues affecting nuclear frontline and/or communities of color.
A) Nuclear Panel 9:30 AM, CST: Ariana Tibon, RMI National Nuclear Commission, Albious Latior, Marshallese community advocate, Dr. Tommy Rock, Diné, Navajo First Nation.
B) Climate Panel 10:45 AM, CST: Tina Eonemto Stege, RMI Climate Envoy, Mireya Rieth, Arkansas United, Kendra Pinto, Diné, Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation
Moderators: Marcina Langrine and Benetick Kabua Maddison, MEI.
Please contact April or Benetick with any questions: albrown@mei.ngo or benetick@mei.ngo or info@mei.ngo
MEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 and based in Springdale, Arkansas. For more information about the nuclear legacy and climate change, visit www.mei.ngo
Thank you! MEI