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A resolution honoring Dr. Robert Wingfield, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement from Fisk University for his advocacy in environmental justice and scholarship.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Robert C. Wingfield Jr. recently retired after 40 years of distinguished service as an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Discipline Coordinator at Fisk University and longtime Co-Director of the Fisk Community Environmental Toxics Awareness and Sustainability Program. Through these positions, he applied his industrial experience in chemical process and product development to understand the growing dangers posed by environmental degradation; and
WHEREAS, studies have shown that environmental injustice and the impacts of climate change disproportionately impact Black, brown, and indigenous communities regardless of income; and
WHEREAS, climate change leads to more extreme weather events and the economic and health impacts of those are not experienced equally, as people of color are more likely to reside in areas that are most heavily impacted; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wingfield was one of the early voices in the scientific community to study these issues, serving as an EPA/NAFEO Fellow and spending his long career alerting the community to the dangers and mitigation of the worst impacts of climate change. He also fought to have better policy decisions to prevent further damage; and
WHEREAS, he has served as a member of the Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County Wastewater Hearing Authority since 1999, and chaired the Nashville Health Disparities Coalition from 2003 to 2004; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Dr. Wingfield was appointed by former Governor Phil Bredesen to the Compliance Advisory Panel to provide support to the TDEC Small Business Environmental Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, during 2021, he served as chair of the Nashville Section, American Chemical Society, and as co-chair of the Family and Youth Sustainability Education Workgroup of the Mayor of Nashville’s Sustainability Advisory Committee for the development of a Nashville Climate Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wingfield was honored most recently by his selection to the 2024 class of Fellows of the American Chemical Society; and
WHEREAS, in retirement, Dr. Wingfield continues his long-term commitment to the environment and environmental justice through his continued service on the Executive Committee of the Middle TN Group of the TN Chapter of the Sierra Club, and his continued work to secure grants and funding to Fisk’s Environmental Justice programs; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County honor Dr. Robert Wingfield as he has dedicated his life to scholarship and advocacy and has continually contributed his knowledge to community causes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record to honor Dr. Robert Wingfield for 40 years of scholarship and advocacy while at Fisk University.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.