Use of Photovoice to Highlight Environmental Justice Issues: The Power of Photography in Buzzard Point, Washington, DC

Abstract

Abstract Buzzard Point in Washington, DC, is a neighborhood facing the brunt of urban environmental injustice. Through pollution from multiple sources and a lack of environmental amenities, residents have been exploited and drowned out to make way for further development. This project used Photovoice, a community-engaged research method, to give residents a voice in identifying the health hazards in their communities. The method highlighted in this article was modified for a classroom project, but still yielded important themes of abandonment and hopelessness. These findings mirror other works with Photovoice, which have been used in both urban and rural settings to identify cumulative health hazards and harmful elements of the built environment. This Photovoice project serves as a first step in empowering residents, bringing attention to lawmakers of their plight, and initiating a dialogue on the reforms the city can adopt to improve physical and environmental health in the community.