The Descendants Project
Jo’s love for Louisiana was instilled by her grandparents, who passed down generations of folktales and history highlighting her Afro-Creole Heritage. Jo founded The Descendants Project, where she channels her passion and knowledge into challenging systems, primarily those that have exploited the descendants of those enslaved to plantations. As a resident of Louisiana’s Cancer Alley, Jo champions environmental justice causes and is actively developing strategies to transform land slated for use by pollutant-causing industries into green spaces where communities like hers can thrive. She has spoken before the United Nations and contributed to the Environmental Justice for All Act.
FRI-FS-08: Water as Conduit of Violence: How the Mississippi River Shaped Cancer Alley
Friday, October 10, 2025
8:15 AM - 4:30 PM CT