Remembering Jesse Jackson And His March Against The East End’s Mount Trashmore With Ganim And Newton

As a candidate for mayor in 1991, Joe Ganim promised to clean up the mountainous demolition-debris disgrace Mount Trashmore in the East End that wreaked environmental havoc on the neighborhood.

When 32-year-old Ganim became mayor in 1991, he had a governor sensitive to his urban challenges. Lowell Weicker said you help me and I’ll help you.

For Weicker it meant one thing: Ganim must withdraw the bankruptcy appeal his Republican predecessor Mary Moran had placed in federal court. Bridgeport, as a child of the state, scalded the credit worthiness of Connecticut. So Weicker said I’ll do this, this and this to Ganim. Weicker was true to his word. The “this” included $500,000 to help clean up and incinerate Mount Trashmore.

City Councilman Ernie Newton who was a state representative then also lobbied the state for the money.

Ganim kicked in about $250,000 in city funds and the deed was done, that rat-infested nightmare was carted away.

From Ganim’s Facebook page:

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson. He was a towering voice for civil rights, justice, and equality across our nation.

In 1991, Reverend Jackson kicked off his 7 Day Rebuild America March by standing shoulder to shoulder with Bridgeport as we fought for the removal of “Mount Trashmore,” as seen in this photo. It marked a critical chapter in our city’s history. Mount Trashmore was an illegal dumping site situated within a residential East End neighborhood and became a powerful symbol of economic inequality and environmental injustice.

Reverend Jackson joined community leaders and local activists in demanding accountability and change. That movement ultimately helped secure state support to remove the site and proved that when a community stands together, it has the power to transform its future.

We are deeply grateful for Reverend Jackson’s leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice, nationally and here in Bridgeport.

May his legacy continue to inspire generations to stand up, speak out, and rebuild stronger communities.