Blog 5: Graduation Day - A Powerful Day of Storytelling
On Saturday, October 5, the Sustainable Steel Community Cohort (SSCC) gathered at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center for a powerful day of storytelling. The graduation event marked the culmination of months of hard work and dedication, as participants prepared to share their "Steel Stories" with family, friends, and local community members.
Final Preparations: Making the Moment Real
Many participants dressed up for the occasion, bringing an air of celebration and significance to the event. The day began with two hours of preparation, where cohort members refined their presentations and practiced their stories. This final rehearsal was invaluable, allowing participants to hear each other's stories in succession for the first time and adjust to the larger Event Center room. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, energy, and anticipation as participants rehearsed their "Story of Self, Story of Us, Story of Now" narratives. Encouraging one another through last-minute preparations, they shook off their nerves and prepared to take the stage.
Showtime: A Community Gathering for Change
At 11:00 AM, the doors opened to reveal a beautifully decorated room featuring catered food, stickers, and a striking balloon arch that welcomed attendees. Family members and community supporters arrived, eager to hear the cohort’s stories. Many had been curious about where the participants had been spending their Saturdays, wondering what they were learning and who was leading these regular gatherings.
Lee Helfend, the cohort facilitator, took on the role of emcee alongside co-emcee Monica, a cohort participant and comedian whose humor brought laughter and warmth to the event. The audience was engaged, nodding along as participants shared stories that touched on common themes of community, resilience, and shared struggles.
Setting the Stage: Understanding the Need for Change
The event opened with a "Sustainable Steel 101" presentation by Hilary Lewis, Steel Campaign Director. She provided an overview of the steelmaking process, highlighting the urgent need to shift away from investments in outdated, polluting technologies. Hilary emphasized how community voices play a crucial role in pushing for change, setting the stage for the powerful personal stories that followed.
Steel Stories: A Tapestry of Experience and Hope
One by one, participants took the stage to share their deeply personal and moving Steel Stories. Many spoke about their families’ multigenerational ties to the steel mills, recognizing both the economic benefits and the devastating health consequences of pollution. Stories of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and environmental degradation illustrated the severe impacts of steel industry pollution in Northwest Indiana.
While these stories painted a sobering picture, they also carried a message of hope and determination. Participants expressed their love for their region and their commitment to making it a healthier place for future generations. Topics ranged from union efforts and local farming initiatives to air and soil quality improvements, all tying into broader calls for action. Many participants concluded their stories with powerful calls for change, urging the audience to support policies like the Steel Modernization Act and emphasizing the need for real community engagement, renewable energy investments, and healthier environments for workers and residents alike.
Rep. Ragen Hatcher previewed new legislation she plans to propose at the upcoming Indianapolis legislative session, focusing on fairer taxes and sustainable industry practices. Her remarks reinforced the significance of the cohort’s advocacy efforts and the potential for real policy change.
A Moment of Reflection and Inspiration
Following a short intermission, Lee Helfend shared their own journey into environmental advocacy, reflecting on the importance of community-led action. Monica followed with her signature blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, making the case for fighting for better health outcomes with both passion and persistence.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when Pastor Beverly Lewis took the stage. She delivered a powerful poem weaving together themes of race, health, and grief, earning a standing ovation from the audience. Her words resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of why this fight for clean air and sustainable industry is so critical.
Building Connections and Next Steps
As the event came to a close, participants, families, and community members gathered over refreshments, discussing next steps and opportunities for collaboration. Community groups in attendance expressed eagerness to continue working with the cohort members, building on the momentum created during the event. Many took group and family photos under the balloon arch, celebrating the accomplishments of the past few months.
One particularly inspiring moment came when a former steelworker, moved by the event, decided to share his own story on camera, further demonstrating the power of personal storytelling in driving change.
Looking Ahead: Staying Engaged and Expanding the Movement
The SSCC graduation event was a resounding success, combining impactful storytelling, strong community support, and the infectious energy of the cohort. It was a testament to the power of collective action and the resilience of those fighting for a healthier, more sustainable future in Northwest Indiana.
Plans are already underway to expand the program, with a new cohort planned for Michigan in 2025.
The stories shared at this graduation event will undoubtedly inspire many to get involved and push for the changes needed to transform the steel industry into a more sustainable, community-centered model. This is just the beginning of a growing movement toward a cleaner, healthier future for all.
