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.
Disclosure information not submitted.
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