Senator James Sanders Jr.'s Statement on Death of Cecil Corbin-Mark, Harlem Activist

James Sanders Jr.

October 19, 2020

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said: “I am tremendously saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Cecil Corbin-Mark, deputy director of the group WE ACT for Environmental Justice.  He was a great community organizer and tremendously successful in moving foward projects that benefit the environment. Cecil spent 26 years with WE ACT and during that time he advocated for the passage of many environmental justice laws, covering everything from lead paint regulations to emission reductions targeting climate change.

Although a Harlemite, Cecil never hesitated to help me when I needed his knowledge and expertise on environmental justice in Southeast Queens or on legislation or policy in Albany. I fondly remember him speaking at an Earth Week Expo that I hosted in my district in April 2019.  We lost a giant in Cecil as an activist who led in the fight to advance human rights.

I think it is our duty to honor Cecil Corbin-Mark and his legacy by continuing his work and taking care our environment and our world."