Pine forests stretch across the horizon, but the air carries dust and fine particulates. According to residents, much of it comes from the nearby Drax Biomass facility in Amite County. For the people of Gloster, the plant is more than an industrial neighbor; it is a daily presence shaping health, environment and quality of life.
On March 25, the community gathered for a forum organized by Greater Greener Gloster, a grassroots initiative led by Jimmy Brown and Dr. Krystal Nicole Martin. The goal was clear: bring residents’ concerns into the open, connect them with organizers and state leaders, and create space for dialogue, education, and action.
The forum was moderated by comedian and media personality Rita Brent, whose facilitation allowed for both candor and clarity. Residents shared firsthand observations of dust, odors and particulate matter. They asked direct questions about the facility’s emissions, potential health effects and what measures could ensure cleaner air for their families.
Brenda Hyde, deputy director of Southern Echo, emphasized the broader mission that guides such efforts. “Our mission is to empower grassroots organizers to confront inequities embedded in our political, educational, environmental and economic systems,” Hyde said. “This is about ensuring communities like Gloster are not left to carry burdens they did not choose.”
Environmental advocate Naya Black, Gulf South Organizer for the Dogwood Alliance, explained the wider context of biomass energy. She noted that the Dogwood Alliance is an environmental justice nonprofit focused on helping and saving southern communities and forests. “We organize and educate around the biomass industry, which cuts down trees to be burned for energy in places like Europe and Asia. We want people to understand that our forests are our greatest asset, and that communities where these facilities operate can experience significant pollution when wood is processed and pelletized.”
The forum also brought numerous members of the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus to Gloster, signaling the statewide significance of these local concerns. House Rep. Daryl Porter, D-Summit, told residents, “None of us are against industry, but we cannot and will not trade public safety and health for economic promises.”
Rep. Zakiya Summers, D-Jackson, stressed the long-term stakes, saying, “This work continues beyond one session. What is at stake is the health and future of the next generation.”
And Rep. Kabir Karriem, D-Columbus, emphasized fairness and accountability. “We cannot accept conditions in one community that would never be tolerated in another. Accountability and transparency must be the standard.”
Other caucus members were present and also engaged with residents, contributing to a broad, statewide perspective on environmental justice.
Voices of youth were woven throughout the evening. Fourteen-year-old Averi Norwood asked questions about air quality and public safety, reminding attendees that today’s decisions will shape the environment they inherit.
Concrete outcomes emerged from the conversation. Residents and advocates called for emergency alert systems that reach beyond smartphones, air quality monitors in Gloster and surrounding areas and more transparency from the Drax facility regarding emissions and operations. Attendees were encouraged to continue participating in Greater Greener Gloster workshops and community meetings, where they can learn, engage, and organize collective action.
By the close of the evening, the message from Gloster was unmistakable: the community will not accept environmental burdens silently. Through local leadership, organized advocacy, and collaboration, residents are shaping a vision of a healthier, sustainable future where clean air, safe water, and safe land are not privileges, but rights.
This MFP Voices opinion essay reflects the personal opinion of its author(s). The column does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
