Gabrielle Burton-Hill, a proud lifelong resident of the City of Newburgh, NY, is a natural advocate, caretaker, and leader who is continuing to learn, grow, and develop her skills. In 1986, while attending the first national holiday celebration of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr in Atlanta, Georgia, and listening to the powerful words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, her commitment to social justice was sparked. Returning home, she became involved in various community youth initiatives.  Her activism ignited in 1999 after her firstborn was diagnosed with near-fatal lead poisoning—a condition discovered by chance through a daycare-required blood test. This personal crisis propelled her into action, focusing on lead poisoning awareness after realizing the pervasive risk in Newburgh homes and the potential dangers of lead-laden drinking water.

As a restorative justice practitioner, Burton-Hill created and facilitated a series of community circles entitled “I Am Water” to engage in a conversation that would lead to action. After a year of meetings and planning, the Newburgh Clean Water Project (NCWP), a volunteer advocacy group, hosts several events yearly. “Our mission includes community and school district awareness events and presentations. As founding members, Burton-Hill and the NCWP team are committed and dedicated to clean, healthy drinking water from the tap to the glass for all residents (and visitors) of her beloved city of Newburgh. However, in addition to outreach, it is imperative that WE, THE PEOPLE, reclaim our power by working with our local, state, and federal officials in achieving one of our basic human rights: CLEAN HEALTHY WATER,” says Burton-Hill.