By Maria C. Powell, PhD

About Poisoning Paradise

This previously unpublished manuscript by Madison activist Maria Powell began as a book about Madison-Kipp Corporation, but expanded to its current breadth as Maria’s activism and research moved into other problematic areas areas within the Madison community.

The exhaustively researched project, based on historical research, old newspaper articles, and review of government records, along with past and current community advocacy and discussions with community members, was ongoing until Maria’s death in November 2023.

Though unfinished, this body of work adds to Maria’s legacy as a tenacious activist, committed and talented researcher and uncompromising fighter for justice.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Maria was plagued during her lifetime by others appropriating her work. She was so generous with her time, talked with anyone and inspired many–some of whom unfortunately did not always credit her or cite her when appropriate. Please do not repeat this! If you discover something here that you find interesting or important to share, full credit and citations are requested. Please respect Maria’s work and memory.

Also please note: footnotes and citations are incomplete.

Introduction

Madison is a self-proclaimed “model city” and regularly makes many “best of” lists each year. Yet, in addition to having the highest racial and ethnic disparity rates in the nation, it also has an untold story of environmental racism and injustice.

Madison’s “tale of two cities” was enshrined purposefully at its beginning when the a prosperous west side was created for the university, state capital, county, and city government professionals, while an industrial working class sector was established on the east side where pollution could go unabated to feed the engines of progress, industrialization and class separation. And so the story begins….