By Qiyam Ansari, Western Pennsylvania Field Organizer, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
Qiyam Ansari’s story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Qiyam’s life took a pivotal turn when his family moved to Pittsburgh in 2010. At just 14 years old, he embarked on a journey that would shape his future in unexpected ways.
Moving to Pittsburgh was a significant change for Qiyam. The initial images of the city, dominated by the steel industry and the Pittsburgh Steelers, were daunting. However, the awe-inspiring scenery of the town, with its bridges, water, mountains, and valleys, soon captivated him. When he enrolled at Propel Braddock Hills High School in East McKeesport, Qiyam quickly adapted to his new environment and became an active and engaged student.
Despite managing asthma, Qiyam excelled in high school. He was an honor roll student, participated in a musical, captained the Ultimate Frisbee team, acted as a peer mediator, and was involved in AmeriCorps. His leadership and dedication were evident as he won the title of prom king and consistently strived to be a productive member of society.
Qiyam’s life took a dramatic turn during his junior year. A sudden move to McKeesport and an air inversion event led to a severe asthma attack that nearly claimed his life. The inversion trapped polluted air close to the ground, exacerbating his condition. Despite experiencing labored breathing, Qiyam didn’t initially inform his mother. His symptoms worsened, and by the following day, he collapsed. His lungs had stopped responding, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he had to be revived. Given his condition, he had to be transferred to another hospital, where he spent two weeks in a coma. During this period, he had a life-changing near-death experience.
This experience profoundly impacted Qiyam, forcing him to reassess his identity, purpose, and path. He went on to graduate high school and attend college, but remained haunted by his encounter with death. A mentor advised him to solve problems, leading Qiyam to address various societal issues. He encountered challenges like food apartheid, gentrification, disinvestment, redlining, government corruption, political nepotism, toxic air, water, and food.
In 2018, Qiyam found his calling when he came across a request for proposals to help with strategic planning for two community groups in the Mon Valley focused on air pollution. He felt compelled to apply, leading to the formation of Valley Clean Air Now, which aimed to tackle air quality issues in the Mon Valley.
Qiyam’s work with Valley Clean Air Now has been transformative for the community. Following a fire at Clairton Coke Works, the group distributed 800 air purifiers to 650 households, educated residents about air quality dangers, and advocated for better health and safety measures. Their efforts have provided tangible relief to residents, such as Brianna from Liberty Borough, who reported significant improvements in her son’s breathing thanks to the air purifiers.
Qiyam Ansari’s journey from a near-death experience to becoming a leader in environmental advocacy exemplifies the power of resilience and purpose. As the Western PA Organizer, he fights for a cleaner, healthier environment. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find a mission that transforms one's life and brings positive change to their community.
This blog was included as part of the September 2024 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!