Alexandra Nagy, Sunstone Strategies
alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org
818-633-0865
Following Historic Victory Against Big Oil to Protect Drilling Setback Law, New ‘Bad Neighbors’ Awareness Campaign Highlights Health Impacts of Neighborhood Oil Drilling in South L.A.
(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES, CA – In a powerful move to increase awareness of the health impacts of neighborhood oil drilling, Black Women for Wellness and STAND–L.A. (Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling – Los Angeles) have launched an advertising and organizing campaign near the Inglewood Oil Field in South Los Angeles. The campaign, featuring six billboards, digital ads, and a variety of other grassroots marketing tactics, complements a grassroots organizing canvass led by community groups that have long been leaders on this critical issue and aims to educate and mobilize residents while centering the voices of those most affected by the pollution generated by urban oil drilling.
Following a significant victory by environmental justice, climate, health, and labor organizations in their efforts to defeat a ballot initiative aimed at overturning a law prohibiting new oil drilling near homes, schools, hospitals, and churches, this campaign marks the next step in protecting public health. The fight now continues to end all existing neighborhood oil drilling and ensure safe, healthy communities for all.
The billboards at the center of the new awareness campaign feature powerful messages and imagery of Black women, families, and community leaders, emphasizing the South Los Angeles community’s ongoing struggle and resilience. The billboards will be seen by drivers and pedestrians alike, delivering crucial facts about the health impacts of drilling. To view all the billboards in this campaign, please click here.
The campaign’s impact will be amplified through a variety of “surround-sound” tactics set to roll out in the coming weeks, including digital ads targeted at those who have passed near and through the oil fields, ads on Black radio stations, and innovative guerrilla marketing tactics such as branded placemats in local restaurants. Additionally, the campaign coincides with a major canvassing and phone banking effort led by SCOPE, a partner organization educating community members about the harms of neighborhood drilling.
“We are thrilled to launch this campaign at such a pivotal moment,” says Tianna Shaw Wakeman, Environmental Justice Program Manager at Black Women for Wellness. “Through STAND–L.A. and Black Women for Wellness, our communities have fought hard to protect our neighborhoods from the dangers of toxic oil drilling locally and at the state level. This campaign showcases the strength and determination we have to keep pushing toward environmental Justice for all.”
“We must continue to raise awareness and push for the end of all existing neighborhood drilling,” added Agustin Cabrera, Policy Director, SCOPE, member of STAND–L.A. “This campaign not only educates but also empowers our community to stand up for its health and future.”
Residents and supporters are encouraged to join the movement by engaging with the billboards, participating in upcoming events, and spreading the message through social media. Together, we can ensure a healthier, safer future for South Los Angeles.
To view all the billboards in this campaign, please click here.
For more information about the campaign or to get involved, please visit bwwla.org/no-drilling or contact Alexandra Nagy at alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org.
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Founded in 1997, Black Women for Wellness is a California-based nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls. Through education, advocacy, and leadership development, the organization seeks to empower communities and create lasting change in reproductive health, rights, and justice.
STAND-LA (Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling – Los Angeles) is a coalition of community groups working to end neighborhood oil drilling in Los Angeles to protect the health and environment of affected communities.