Annual EJ Conference
Environmental Justice in the Age of AI: Democracy, Civil Rights & Civic Engagement
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Arrival & coffee start at 8:45 AM)
- Location: University Center, University of Memphis
- Cost: FREE (Includes parking, complimentary morning coffee and boxed lunch)
- Pre-registration: COMING SOON: SAVE THE DATE
- Theme: Environmental Justice in the Age of AI: Democracy, Civil Rights & Civic Engagement
- Hosted By: University of Memphis Department of Anthropology and the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group
Keynote Panel : The Struggle for Environmental Justice in Memphis
Featuring Rita Harris, Yolonda Spinks, and Richard Massey.
This plenary session highlights decades of grassroots activism, ongoing community struggles, and the evolving landscape of environmental justice in the Mid-South.
Breakout Session Topics
- Developing Coalitions
- Zoning
- Aquifer / xAI
- Fighting Blight with the Law
- AI and Community Health
- Democracy, Gerrymandering, and Civil Rights
- Youth Minds United: High School Advocacy Work
- U of M Critical AI Studies Group
About the Conference
Organized by the Sierra Club and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Memphis, the Environmental Justice Conference brings together community advocates, grassroots organizations, students, residents, and University faculty to address critical environmental, policy, and social issues impacting Memphis and the Mid-South.
For additional historical background and resources, visit the official conference archive:
https://www.memphis.edu/anthropology/ej/
With Support From
Sierra Club
Department of Anthropology
[Your Organization Here.]