“Dr. Sylvia Hood-Washington is a pioneering leader in the fields of environmental sciences and environmental justice studies. Her research and published work are of world-class caliber and have shaped the direction of the most important scholarship in these fields over the years. Her leadership as founding Editor of the journal Environmental Justice has resulted in the creation of an outlet and medium for the presentation and exchange of innovative ideas, data, and insights among an interdisciplinary community of leading researchers from around the globe, and has produced momentous and critical advances in the evolution of environmental justice studies into the 21st century.”
“Issues of environmental justice and injustice have only increased in relevance in recent years, and Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington has long been one of the world’s most prominent leaders in defining the cutting edge of research and advocacy on this important topic. Under her skillful direction—and bolstered by her unique background and expertise in engineering, history, and both physical and social science—the journal Environmental Justice has rapidly risen to become the most important and respected outlet for international, interdisciplinary research on environmental inequalities.”
“Perhaps no individual is more important than Sylvia Hood-Washington in promoting the cause of environmental justice through her scholarship and advocacy. Washington is a sophisticated theorist and careful archival researcher whose work, such as Packing Them In: An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 1865-1954 (Lexington, 2004), exposes the deep roots of the ecological inequities that plague contemporary American cities. She locates these problems in historic patterns of racial segregation and bigotry. With advanced degrees in history and environmental engineering, Washington brings a unique perspective to issues of environmental racism and community resistance, grappling equally well with questions of science and infrastructure, the politics of policy makers, and the emergence of grassroots opposition to harmful practices. Moreover, Washington’s editorship of the journal, Environmental Justice, leaves her as one of the global leaders of a movement that promotes the just treatment of all humans, but especially of minority and low-income people who historically borne the brunt of industrialization and enjoyed few of its benefits.”
“I attended the presentation of Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington at the University of St. Francis, February 18,entitled “Climate Justice for All Life”. I was so touched by the information and the presentation. The environmental impact of all of our choices and the consequences for which the poor, the city dwellers, and ethnic minorities suffer disproportionally was made so clear. The statistics for the results of lead and mercury poisoning were so real. So many of the extreme disasters of rains, heat, earthquakes, mudslides, and winds all over the world can be traced to human choices. Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington roused our energy along with our awareness and a sense of immediate need for change. I am very grateful to have heard her presentation and have gone on to follow up, looking at her website and inviting her to share some of what she knows at our Bluestem Earth Festival.”
“At an open presentation, Franciscan and Postmodern Reflections on Environmental and Social Justice for the Least of Our Brothers/Sisters at the University of St Francis on February 18, in San Damiano Hall, environmentalist Sylvia Hood Washington spoke on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Dr. Sylvia shared both her passionate Catholic social justice understanding and her engaging Franciscan angle of climate change with the wider university community. Students, faculty, staff and Sister Sponsors were helped to recognize the impacts of climate change from an environmental justice perspective as well as what they can do to more fully care for God’s Creation. Deeply embedded was her conviction on the need to respect all life. Dr. Sylvia, having returned only recently from COP21 in Paris, was attentive to the Franciscan perspective and gave many fine examples of the impact of environmental hazards on the poor and disadvantaged. The audience heard first-hand how the working class and ethnic minority tend to suffer disproportionately from the harmful effects of pollution. She encouraged all to be Catholics by “conviction” and Franciscans in “preaching” by action and not mere words.
The lecture, “Laudato Si’: Climate Justice for All” was part of the university’s celebration of Black History and the “Engaging Mind and Spirit Lecture” series supported by the Center for the Study of Contemporary Ethics.”
“Dr. Sylvia Hood-Washington provided invaluable guidance to the Archdiocese of Chicago’s effort to bring climate justice and sheer awareness to Black Catholics and all people concerned about how this global issue is played out in inner-city neighborhoods.”
“Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington joined IEC’s legislative breakfast in December as a panelists on the impact of COP21, the climate change talks in Paris. Dr. Washington reviewed in full the agenda of the climate talks and offered important observations on the overall attendees and atmosphere. She offered important insights into the role of environmental justice in the talks and the role of organizing in reaching the goals set forth in COP21.”
“Good Morning Sylvia,
Just wanted to thank you again for working on my Mom yesterday and to give you an update. My Mom slept so peacefully the whole time I was there (I left at 8PM) and when they went to change the dressing on her left foot she didn’t make a sound…not even a wince…which had us all amazed! Even her RN who was changing the dressing who had to be aggressive in cleaning the wound couldn’t believe it 🙂 My sister and I went out for a late dinner last night and actually felt at peace with where our Mom is on her journey. Over the last few weeks we feel we finally have her pain under control with your work and her pain meds as needed. Thank you again for being such a giving and compassionate person. We are so grateful you were led to help our Mom and have come into our lives. Have a great day!”
“My experience with Lymphatic Drainage and Healing Touch performed by Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington I believe had a positive effect on reducing inflammation in my body. The few days after therapy I noticed less aches and pain in my muscles & joints. I hold a lot of stress related tension in my muscles, so it was great to have some relief. During the therapy Dr. Sylvia kept me informed with what she was doing and why she was doing it. I liked how she integrated different modalities along with the lymphatic draining. She incorporated some yoga stretching and breathing as well as healing touch techniques. On top of relieving some of my inflammatory muscle and joint pain, Dr.Sylvia found an inflamed lymph node under my arm. It was likely inflamed because I was feeling on the verge of a virus. She was able to drain the lymph node and we could no longer feel an inflamed lump under my arm. I believe this procedure helped me to beat the virus that never transpired. In addition to being a Certified Lymphatic Therapist, Dr. Sylvia has vast knowledge and expertise in the medical field as an Environmental Epidemiologist and Public Health Professional. She has the ability to treat a person holistically while helping them discover how their environment may be affecting their health issues. I would highly recommend Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington as a Naturopathic Doctor for Lymphatic Wellness. This customer rated you highly for work quality, professionalism, value, responsiveness, and punctuality.”