S6 Ep 17: Community Over Cancer Alley w/ Sharon and Shamyra Lavigne

In this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood holds an intimate conversation with Time100 influential person Sharon Lavigne and her daughter, climate justice advocate Shamyra Lavigne Davey. The series aims to illuminate the environmental and social justice challenges facing Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. In her community of St. James Parish, Sharon Lavigne founded the grassroots organization Rise St. James to fight the expansion of petrochemical industries and mobilize her neighbors. The Lavignes discuss the heartbreaking impacts of pollution on frontline communities while reflecting on the change they hope to see in their lifetimes.

Recorded at the historic Woodland Plantation, the site of the 1811 slave revolt, “Community Over Cancer Alley” highlights seven fearless, unapologetic Black women leading the fight for environmental justice in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. This 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is lined with chemical facilities, posing severe health risks to local communities. Each episode uplifts the stories and advocacy of these women, highlighting their resilience and commitment to creating cleaner, healthier, more equitable communities of color.

The Coolest Show – brought to you by Hip Hop Caucus Think 100% PODCASTS – drops new episodes every Monday on environmental justice and how we solve the climate crisis. Listen and subscribe here or at TheCoolestShow.com! Follow @Think100Climate and @RevYearwood on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.