The NAACP was established within the state of New York in February 1909 and is America’s oldest, as well as largest, Civil Rights organization. The Greater Grand Rapids chapter founded in 1919 by Reverend Robert Bagnall fights for environmental justice in the Baxter area of Grand Rapids. Low income communities of color are the most affected by this. The goal of environmental justice advocates is to restore equality of safe living situations to everyone in the community regardless of race or class. Three important environmental justice issues that the Grand Rapids NAACP are dealing with are lead soil pollution, vapor intrusion, and food insecurity.

Grand Rapids has long-standing rates of high levels of lead poisoning in children. Lead based paint was banned within household use in 1978, but older homes often still have the lead contaminated paint. This lead is slowly leaked into the soil surrounding the house causing the soil to be unsafe to grow food. Lead poisoning is likely to have more of an impact on young children who are also affected by poverty, racism, and other stressors.

Vapor intrusion occurs when underground chemical pollution penetrates through building foundations and contaminates the air inside. The Madison Square area in Grand Rapids experienced a vapor intrusion crisis putting those who live and work in the area at risk of health problems. These kinds of chemicals run down property value and affect neighborhood demographics.

Food insecurity takes place when there is not enough consistent access to food to sustain a healthy lifestyle. This is different than hunger because food insecurity is due to financial constraints as well as food apartheids. 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 7 children in West Michigan experience food insecurity. This problem has been exacerbated by COVID-19.