'Green Army' commander to speak in Dallas

Lt. General Russel L. Honoré will speak Feb. 15 in Dallas on environmental justice issues.​ In addition, he will be the guest on Think, 90.1 FM, on Feb. 14, noon to 1 p.m. Photos courtesy of General Honore.com.

Jan. 11, 2019

A retired general who’s turned his focus to combating environmental injustice is touring Dallas Feb. 13-15. 

As the commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, Lt. General Russel L. Honoré became known as the “Category 5 General” for his leadership in coordinating military relief efforts in post-hurricane New Orleans. 

A decorated 37-year army veteran and global authority on leadership and emergency preparedness, Louisiana native Gen. Honoré is now mobilizing the GreenARMY in his home state. The mission of the alliance of civic, community and environmental groups and concerned citizens is to effect meaningful social, political and environmental change in Louisiana, according to the website.

Honoré became involved in environmental issues when residents from Bayou Corne, frustrated by the lack of action in the wake of a devastating sinkhole, requested assistance. General Honoré came to recognize the barrage of environmental issues facing Louisiana, from the levee board lawsuit to clean water, and he decided something needed to change.

Lt General Russel HonoreToday, Honoré’s task force addresses such issues as Louisiana coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion in the Baton Rouge aquifer and drilling in Lake Peigneur natural gas storage caverns to name a few.

“He’s quite a legend in the field,” said Ernest McMillan, founder of the newly formed Dallas-based Environmental Justice Network, which is hosting Honoré’s appearance. “He was very receptive about coming here.”

McMillan spearheaded the Honoré visit after learning about him from a family member who works for the EPA in Dallas.

Green Army LogoMcMillan said during the visit, Honoré will attend several invitation-only meetings with local environmental and social justice leaders and representatives.

In addition, Honoré will tour three South Dallas neighborhoods battling environmental justice issues, including Highland Hills, home to a recently designated Superfund site; Joppa, a community fighting air quality issues; and Sandbranch, a poor mostly African American neighborhood, which hasn’t had running water in 30 years. 

On Friday, Feb. 15, Honoré will speak at 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5004 Bonnie View Road in Dallas. The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs requested.

“He is going to be sharing his successes, his troubles, the lessons he’s learned,” said McMillan. “We think he can spark activism here. People can learn from him. Also, the visit will provide exposure for what’s going on in Dallas as far as environmental justice issues are concerned.”

Watch Al Gore interview Gen. Honoré in 2014.

24 Hours of Reality: Al Gore One-On-One with Russel Honoré

 

"We Must Save Mother Earth:" Lt. General Russel L. Honoré in Dallas

About: Louisiana native Lt. General Russel L. Honoré is visting Dallas to share his experience confronting environmental justice issues.

Hosted by: Environmental Justice Network of Dallas, an informal coalition of environmental and social justice groups, formed last fall.

When: Several invitation-only events will be held Feb. 13-15 in addition to public events.

Open to Public: Lt. Gen. Honoré will be the guest on Think, 90.1FM, Feb. 14, noon to 1 p.m. He will be speaking publicly at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4910 Bonnie View Road in Dallas on Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. 

Cost: Free

Info: Ernest McMillan, 832-368-9023, emack2@sbcglobal.net

RSVP

Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Intitute are media sponsors of the event.

 

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