Kerri Evelyn Harris is an American activist and currently the Program Advisor for Namati’s U.S. Environmental Justice Program. She works to amplify community voices and empower people to address environmental challenge while advocating for systemic change. Kerri shares her learning journey and what inspires her.
Kerri Harris at a community meeting
I’m the Program Advisor for Namati’s U.S. Environmental Justice Program, based in Delaware. Our work focuses primarily on the Mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We aim to empower communities to address environmental challenges while advocating for systemic change.
I’ve been working in the social justice space for about 15 years now, addressing various justice issues in the U.S., including economic and healthcare justice, criminal justice reform, and environmental justice. I’ve worked both locally, in my home state of Delaware, and nationally – engaging with stakeholders from local to federal government. My work has ranged from advocating for legislative changes to fostering community development and empowerment. This journey has brought me to my current role with Namati.
One person who profoundly influenced me is Maria Payán. Maria lives in Delaware but works across Maryland and Pennsylvania on environmental justice issues. Her journey started when she and her family lived in a community with contaminated water. Her son would develop blisters and a burning sensation on his skin after bathing due to the pollution. That personal experience ignited her passion for environmental justice.
In 2018, Maria and I connected while working on justice issues in Southern Delaware, addressing the pollution from chicken factories and the harmful health impacts on nearby communities. Maria’s tireless commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and her unwavering passion continue to inspire me.
Yes, though it wasn’t initially tied to environmental justice. I served in the military, and after being medically retired, I faced significant challenges finding employment despite meeting all the supposed “success criteria”. That experience opened my eyes to systemic barriers and inspired me to fight for others who might fall through the cracks. It eventually led me to collaborate with incredible advocates like Maria and many others, who’ve mentored and guided me on what it means to be truly people-centered.
Collective action is absolutely key. While one person can shout, a group can create a resounding call for change. When people unite and move as a single voice, it’s harder for decision-makers to ignore them. It also energizes others who might not have considered joining the fight. Collective action amplifies impact and creates momentum for social change.
One moment that stands out is our work in a community where we addressed environmental injustices while building towards solutions.
Initially, local government decision-makers rarely sought community input. But within a year of our engagement, those decision-makers began actively inviting community members to meetings. They saw the value of seeking voices rather than expecting them to come forward. This shift, inspired by Namati’s approach, created a meaningful impact that we’re incredibly proud of.
My kids are my inspiration. If we think things are bad now and do nothing, they’ll only get worse. I want my children to have a better future and to see the value of not living a complacent life. They inspire me to push forward, to fight for change, and to leave behind a better world.
A community rally in Delaware, US
Absolutely. People often talk about the U.S. civil rights movement of the ’50s and ’60s as though it was driven by the majority. But studies show that only 8% of Black Americans—and even fewer from other groups—were actively involved. Yet that small, committed group achieved monumental change.
So, if you ever feel like not enough people are paying attention, remember: you don’t need everyone. You just need a dedicated few. It’s okay to pause when you’re tired—just don’t stop. Find your fellow changemakers in that committed minority, and know that change is possible.