United Parents Against Lead

& Other Environmental Hazards

Supporting parents of lead-poisoned children.

UPAL, founded by parents of lead-poisoned children, is committed first and foremost to ensuring the fundamental rights of all children to live in a safe and healthy environment. Our mission includes increasing awareness and providing education and training to prevent childhood lead poisoning and other environmental hazards. United by our experiences and commitment to children, we know firsthand the effects of lead poisoning and the irreparable damage and suffering caused by this preventable disease. Parents are responsible for bringing children's voices and experiences into the national dialogue and reminding participants that children's health and safety are ultimately everyone's responsibility.

Our Vision
Kresge Foundation Case Study

UPAL In Action

Discover the Farm!

Shabazz Community Farm & Food Forest

Latest Published Work

A Child Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

(updated edition)

Written by:

Queen Zakia Shabazz

A purple and black book titled "A Child Is A Terrible Thing To Waste" with a black and white photo of a child hugging an adult on the cover, placed on a white desk next to a yellow open book and a black marker, with a large green leafy plant in the background and a white circle with purple text saying "Shop Now".
Purchase Your Copy

Don’t Be Blue

Five blue piggy bank shaped containers with cartoon eyes, some filled with rolled USD bills, placed on grass.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention

Focusing on raising awareness about lead poisoning and prevention strategies.

United Parents Against Lead (UPAL) launched the "Don't be Blue" Savings campaign for lead-poisoned children!

The Blue banks sell for $8.00 with an instant $3.00 rebate.

Help a child save today towards a healthy tomorrow.

Purchase Yours Here

UPAL Loves Solar Energy!

Colorful sign spelling out 'Uptown'. A person with a yellow towel draped over their shoulders stands in front of the sign, with trees and a blue sky in the background. The sign has solar panels attached to it.

EVENTS

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EVENTS |

Welcome to our Events section! We can’t wait to share what’s next with you!

Click Here for Past Events

Live Music, Art & Culture at the Hub! 🎨🎤

Petersburg, join us at 464 Byrne Street for an evening of local artistry and performance during Friday for the Arts.

We are hosting ConcART, featuring a live set by Kissy, along with:

  • Art Gallery & Cultural Dedication

  • Album Cover Photo Booth

  • Madlibs Rap Battle

  • Live interactive art & community networking

🗓️ When: Friday, Nov. 13 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Where: 464 Byrne St, Petersburg, VA

🎟️ Admission: $5–$10 sliding scale (tickets at the door or via our bio link)

Scan the QR code on the flyer or tap the link in our bio to learn more and reserve your spot!

Save the Date: Kwanzaa Celebration at the Hub! 🕯️🖤❤️💚

Celebrate culture, community, family, and purpose with UPAL as we honor the first day of Kwanzaa—Umoja (Unity)!

Join us for an evening dedicated to tradition, togetherness, and community reflection:

  • Date: December 26, 2026 (Umoja)

  • Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: UPAL's Community Resiliency Hub, 464 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA 23803

  • Contact: 804-370-1143

Together we build. Together we rise. Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate our culture, our legacy, and our future with us!

Rent space for your event!

Petersburg Community Resiliency Hub!

Event invitation with a round table set with gold-colored plates, white folded napkins, and a yellow table runner. The lower section has a bright orange background with text about the Petersburg Community Resiliency Hub, including contact information, a logo of a building with the American flag, and a list of community services.

The Petersburg Community Resiliency Hub is proud to offer a flexible event space that caters to the diverse needs of our community. Whether you're planning a social gathering, birthday party, prom, art gallery, wedding, shower, game night, workforce training, conference, meeting, workshop, lecture, or skillshare, our facility is the perfect venue for your event.

Available for:

  • Social Gatherings

  • Birthdays & Proms

  • Art Galleries

  • Weddings & Showers

  • Game Night

  • Workforce Training

  • Conference & Meeting Space

  • Workshops, Lectures & Skillshare

Contact Us:

📞 Phone: (804) 805-2105 or (804) 332-3980

📱 Instagram: @pcr.hub

📧 Email: pcr.hub22@gmail.com

📍 Address: 464 Byrne St, Petersburg, VA 23803

Join us at the Petersburg Community Resiliency Hub and make your next event unforgettable!