The PEOPLE behind CIDA

We have a solid network with over 250 members. Our members play a vital role in connecting people in affected communities. We also have a vast network of affiliated organizations throughout the globe. The connecting factor for CIDA is the driving force behind the organization: please meet Mr. Hilton Kelley and the CIDA Team.

CIDA's MISSION

The Community In-Power and Development Association Inc. is a non-profit (501 (C)(3) status) that works to empower residents in low-income communities in Port Arthur, Texas. We help them to take action against the neighboring chemical manufacturers, refineries and incinerator facilities. We help organize and educate local residents on how to take action to keep big industries from polluting our air, land, and water.

CIDA Inc. also works to transform dilapidated and underserved areas into desirable communities with a strong commerce base. We foster and promote a healthy, safe and economically vital community by uniting and educating the impacted communities on the importance of working together to promote healthy change.

CIDA was founded in 2000 with the belief that polluters should be held accountable for the chronic, systematic poisoning of low-income communities living along the “fence line” of their operations.

Hilton Kelley

Founder & Director

Michelle Smith

Marketing Director / Project Manager

Marie Kelley

Cultural Cuisine Specialist

Jasmine Patin

Community Project Manager / Grant Coordinator

Tiffany Lawrence Kelley

Youth Nutrition Program Manager

Mark Anthony

Youth Program Educator

Angel Rodriguez

Video Production Manager

Master Billy Kelley

Youth Physical Health Education Program Associate

Hilton Kelley

Executive Director & Founder, Community Organizer, Activist, Author and Artist

Mr. Hilton Kelley is a United States Navy Veteran. He served his country with great honor and pride for 6 years. He was honorably discharged in 1986. After being released from the military, Mr. Kelley pursued his life's passion of working in the film and television industry. He was inducted into the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) in 1991.

After more than a decade in the acting business, Mr. Kelley took a trip back home to Port Arthur, Texas. What he found there inspired him to take action to rebuild and revitalize his home town community.

Mr. Kelley founded CIDA Inc. and began to challenge the environmental violations of the plants that loom over the community he calls home. CIDA collects scientific data from the emission sources and educates residents of Port Arthur about the toxic burden they shoulder.

While fighting locally, Mr. Kelley also arranged for CIDA to join the international Shell Global Accountability Campaign and spoke at three Shell Annual Meetings in London and The Hague, The Netherlands.

In 2002 Mr. Kelley testified before the US. Senate on behalf of impoverished communities across the nation. Mr. Kelley is the 2011 Goldman Environmental Prize winner received Presidential recognition for his achievements.

More information about Mr. Kelley::

Goldman Prize Recipient 2011 - Biography

Oprah.com Spirit - Article: The Avenging Angel...

Christian Science Monitor - Article: Difference Maker...

Clean Houston - Article: Houston Heroes...

Air Hugger - Article: Hilton Kelley: Man on a Mission...

Literature: