One year ago, on June 21, 2019, the largest oil refinery on the East Coast exploded in South Philadelphia, a “near catastrophe” that could have killed 1.1 million residents. In the months following, residents long impacted by environmental racism organized and won permanent closure of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery.

On the explosion anniversary, we must stand together to demand the future of the refinery site begin reversing 150 years of racial, economic, and environmental injustice as the land prepares for a new use. Our communities and the planet have reached a breaking point, and Black lives must start mattering now if we are to heal and repair.