Women Around Us: Student Spotlight with René!

Get to know some of the amazing women right here in our Tufts community; learn about their incredible work and valuable resources that they have shared!

René LaPointe Jameson (she/her/hers)

A junior majoring in Environmental Engineering.

Fun Fact: “ I am a black belt in TaeKwonDo ”

1. Are you working on any projects within the community? If yes, what is the project and why is it important to you?

“I coordinate a weekly food distribution program that provides groceries and fresh produce to over 500 food-insecure families in Greater Boston. As part of this work, I am helping build a hydroponics center to grow more fresh-produce for this program. This work is important to me because it combats local food apartheid and food insecurity, both of which have been exacerbated due to the pandemic."

2. What is a cause/anything you are passionate about sharing?

“Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the US are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards due to systemic racism especially in urban planning. I am passionate about addressing health disparities caused by this environmental racism. During the pandemic we have seen BIPOC communities be immoderately impacted by the pandemic and it is really important to understand this is not random, due to race, or individual behaviors. Experiencing racism is the risk factor leading to health disparities, including those seen in relation to COVID-19. Systemic racism shapes access to essential community resources and community development which more greatly influence health than access to healthcare or doctors alone. We need to better address how underserved and marginalized communities have been deliberately made high-risk to the pandemic and other health issues due to systems of oppression."

3. Do you have any recommendations of what we as a community or as individuals can do to support this cause and learn more?

“Students should ensure custodial and dining workers are receiving enough personal protective equipment from Tufts and are prioritized in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine so they can, most importantly, stay well and also continue to do their invaluable jobs. These community members keep us nourished, healthy, and safe! We need to support and advocate for them!

Environmentalists should reflect on whether or not they are considering equity and social justice in their environmental work. BIPOC are the original environmental stewards and yet their voices are often disregarded in environmental activist spaces today. We cannot create a more sustainable world without equity and centering those most impacted by environmental issues. Those impacted by environmental issues know solutions best but are often denied the resources to implement them.

Show up for local initiatives addressing the consequences of racism in urban planning! The nonprofit I work for coordinating the food distribution program for is always looking for new volunteers to deliver grocery bags (in a COVID safe manner). Email me to learn how to sign up and help. Join our email list by filling out this survey to learn how to help out: https://forms.gle/EhCMQWYrUtJ36oaW7"

4. Are there any resources you want to share about the cause?

- Buildingaudacity.org to learn more about local initiatives to address anti-Blackness in the Greater Boston community

- COVID-19 Racial Data Tracker on Instagram to learn more about how BIPOC are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to systemic racism.