As the anniversary of hurricane Katrina approached, Dr. Beverly Wright, Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, released a new book about inequalities for minorities with respect to disaster response. Co-authored with noted environmental justice leader Robert D. Bullard, “The Wrong Complexion for Protection” examines government responses to a range of environmental and health threats to African Americans, including weather-related disasters like hurricanes and droughts.

“One of the most important indicators of one’s health is one’s street address or neighborhood. Where you live affects your health and your chances of leading a flourishing life,” says Bullard.

In the 2011-2012 academic years, Dr. Wright hosted an Environmental Justice event in Georges Auditorium, on the Dillard campus. Experts from across the country shared their expertise on disparities and offered suggestions on making positive changes.

At a conference on Resilient Communities also held at Dillard in June 2012, Dr. Wright spoke about the inequalities of communities after Katrina.

“More government recovery dollars went to white than Black districts in New Orleans after Katrina though Black districts were harder hit,” Wright said. Dr. Wright’s latest book is available through NYU Press.