First Person: Mother And Son Fight For Environmental Justice

Monday, April 24, 2017

Credit: KPBS

Above: Francisco Martinez, 19, and his mom, Maria Martinez, at the Barrio Logan College Institute, April 19, 2017.

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Like many teens who grew up in Barrio Logan, Francisco Martinez, 19, suffers from asthma.

His condition led his mom, Maria Martinez, to become an environmental activist. As a volunteer for the Environmental Health Coalition, she advocates for clean air and water.

Now, Francisco, a sophomore at San Diego State University, is following in his mother’s footsteps.

“Environmental justice, to me, means communities of all backgrounds regardless of status having access to clean air, clean water, fresh produce, open spaces, that will result in healthy families, thriving communities and ultimately a better world,” Martinez said.

In honor of Earth Day, Martinez discussed the effects of poor air quality on his health and the strides and struggles in the fight for environmental justice on Midday Edition.

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