Intentions: My intention with the Backward River is to highlight people’s experiences and relationship with the Chicago River in different parts of the city through stories. Depending on where you live along the river, one’s experiences it very differently. Along the North Branch and Main Stem, you see lots of recreational activities such as kayaking and bike paths, but on the South Branch the concentration of heavy industry prevents the use of riverfront areas. I hope my work will help support the need for a Just Transition in communities that want to shift away from dirty industries and reclaim their spaces along the river. I hope my contribution to the research about the Chicago River and Sanitary Ship Canal will aid to improve the way we treat our natural resources and our vulnerable communities.
Bio: Citlalli Trujillo is a first-generation college graduate who holds a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental and Occupational Health Science. As a member of the Freshwater Lab, Citlalli has developed a passion for environmental justice and its intersection with public health and occupational safety in communities along the South Branch of the Chicago River. Citlalli resides in Pilsen, where her family has had roots for three generations. This motivates her to push further in making a community-wide impact that will improve the quality of life for all citizens of the city. As an assistant program manager at IYAI+, Citlalli has led discussions on water policy, infrastructure, and urban flooding to engage under-represented youth in Chicago. Currently, Citlalli serves as the community engagement manager for the Rio de Bienvenidad/River of Welcome art project, which will be located at Canalport Riverwalk. The project will provide communities the opportunity to reclaim the space and advocate for recreational activities that exist in other parts of the river for healthier investments
