WHAT: Cecil Corbin-Mark was the Deputy Director and Director of Policy Initiatives at WE ACT for Environmental Justice when he passed away on October 15, 2020 at the age of 51. He helped develop and pass numerous environmental health related bills in New York City and New York State, provided overall policy guidance to WE ACT’s New York program staff, managed WE ACT’s Federal Policy Office in Washington, DC and served as an informal mentor to aspiring environmental justice advocates across the country – a legacy which is celebrated today by the Cecil Corbin-Mark Fellowship for Environmental Justice Leadership program.

Cecil was 25 years-old when he joined WE ACT, becoming the first paid staff person hired by the Harlem-based volunteer group when it became a formal nonprofit organization. Over the following 26 years, Cecil grew to be one of the leading figures in the environmental justice movement – both well-known and highly respected.

He was also a life-long resident of Hamilton Heights in Harlem, New York, where his family has lived for six decades. That is why we have worked with New York City Council Member Shaun Abreu to have the street near his home named in his honor. And many thanks to Council Member Abreu, who has been instrumental in making this happen.