Honoring Our Founder:

Dr. Norman Camp

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A Visionary, Advocate, and Champion for Environmental Justice

Dr. Norman C. Camp, III was more than just a founder—he was the heart and guiding force behind the vision that became Partners for Environmental Justice (PEJ). A man of profound integrity, compassion, and courage, Dr. Camp dedicated his life to improving the lives of others through service, advocacy, and action. He believed in the power of community and the right of all people to live in healthy, safe, and thriving environments.


Born and raised in East Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Camp’s life was shaped by the civil rights era and his deep commitment to equity, education, and public service. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Shaw University, a Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry from Arizona State University, a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. in Science Education from North Carolina State University. His career spanned teaching in public schools, serving as a professor and dean at Shaw University, and holding leadership positions at Kittrell College, Elizabeth City State University, and Denmark Technical College. He also served in North Carolina state government in roles dedicated to youth services, child welfare, and community development.

A Legacy Rooted in Action

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Education & Empowerment

Dr. Camp’s tireless efforts to clean up and revitalize the Walnut Creek Wetland area laid the foundation for PEJ’s mission. What others saw as a neglected swamp, he saw as a vital ecosystem and a space of untapped community potential. His leadership brought together residents, students, policymakers, and faith leaders to champion environmental justice in Southeast Raleigh, advancing the understanding that environmental health is inseparable from community health.


Through his work with PEJ, Dr. Camp helped lead the development of the Walnut Creek Wetland Center, which became an enduring symbol of environmental restoration and civic partnership. Following his passing in 2018, the center was renamed the Norman & Betty Camp Education Center in honor of the transformative contributions he and his wife made to the community.

Remembering Dr. Camp

Beyond environmental advocacy, Dr. Camp was a lifelong champion for social justice. He and his wife, Betty, co-founded the Autism Society of North Carolina in 1970, working to improve education, resources, and support for children with autism and their families. This dedication to improving lives reflected his belief that strong communities are built through compassion, inclusion, and collaboration.


Dr. Norman Camp’s spirit lives on in every initiative we take, every child we educate, and every wetland we restore. His leadership continues to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and social justice advocates. We honor him not just with this page, but through our daily work—remaining steadfast in the values he championed and the vision he set in motion.

“We must be the guardians of our environment. Our health, our future—our justice—depends on it.”
— Dr. Norman C. Camp, III
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Your Support Makes the Difference

Meet Our Team

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Board Members

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Emeritus Board Members

Honoring Our Founding Leaders

The PEJ Emeritus Board Members are the visionaries who laid the foundation for our organization. Their decades of service, leadership, and dedication helped transform Walnut Creek into the vibrant, protected wetland it is today. Though they no longer serve on the Board of Directors, they remain invaluable community stakeholders and ambassadors for our mission.

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Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

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