A renowned champion for environmental justice whose story inspired an award-winning film will be the presenter for the concluding program of the fall 2024 University Forum schedule at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
Erin Brockovich, whose pursuit of justice for residents of Hinkley, California—exposed to 30 years of Pacific Gas & Electric’s contamination of the town’s water supply—led to her portrayal by actress Julia Roberts in the movie “Erin Brockovich,” will discuss America’s (and Mississippi’s) water crisis Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free and the public is invited.
Brockovich’s work in Hinkley led to one of the largest settlements for a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history. That effort was followed by her work as a consultant on other pollution litigation. She has published a New York Times bestselling autobiography, Take It From Me: Life’s A Struggle, But You Can Win; most recently, she authored Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It.
Brockovich continues to advocate environmental justice, raising awareness about water safety and pollution issues across the country, making her a prominent figure in the fight against corporate environmental negligence.
“The movie, starring Julia Roberts, ensured we all would remember her name, but Erin Brockovich’s commitment to environmental justice runs deeper and has lasted longer than the flickering images on the theater screen,” said University Forum Director Dr. Andrew Haley. “As our infrastructure ages and the climate warms, our water remains polluted. An inspiration and an activist, Erin Brockovich believes we all need to play a role in the fight for clean, plentiful water. Join us as she calls us all to action.”
Now in its 50th year, University Forum is presented by the Honors College, with support from the Office of the President. Click here for more information about University Forum.