Often, when we cast our thoughts towards the movers and shakers in the environmental justice movement, the same familiar names surface. Yet, there’s a pivotal narrative, a little-explored cornerstone of this movement that deserves our undivided attention: the story of Black environmental justice pioneers in the Americas.
Now, this isn't about sidelining the contributions of non-Black activists. Far from it. It's about illuminating the fact that the environmental justice movement has deep roots in the Black community, roots that are sometimes obscured by the overshadowing canopy of mainstream narratives.
So, who are these hidden heroes of environmental justice?
Let's start with Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist. She's a dynamic force driving change in South Bronx, an area previously known as a dumping ground. Carter's push for green spaces and clean industry led to the creation of the Hunts Point Riverside Park, transforming the South Bronx's landscape.
Then, we have Robert D. Bullard, considered the father of environmental justice. Bullard unearthed systemic patterns of environmental racism, where communities of color disproportionately shoulder the burden of pollution and environmental degradation.
And how could we forget the compelling work of Van Jones? His relentless advocacy led to the birth of the Green Jobs Act of 2007, ensuring that economic growth and environmental health aren’t mutually exclusive.
Peggy Shepard, another shining star, co-founded WE ACT for Environmental Justice. She spearheaded initiatives to combat air pollution in Harlem, improving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.
These environmental justice pioneers share a common thread: they dared to challenge existing narratives and advocated for systemic change. They stood up against the tide of environmental racism, crafting an inclusive space where green is a color that isn't just associated with nature, but also with equality and justice.
Understanding their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs is integral in the discourse of environmental justice. It enables us to appreciate the full breadth of the movement and its foundations, and imparts the urgency to continue their legacy.
It’s time to infuse these narratives into our conversations about the environment. Because the future of our planet isn't just about carbon footprints and biodiversity. It's also about equity, justice, and the recognition of all pioneers who fight for a greener and fairer world.
Black Faith
-
Who are you?
-
Ever since I saw the first preview of the movie, Overcomer, I wanted to see
it. I was ready. Pumped. The release month was etched in my mind. When the
time...
3 years ago
Black Fashion
-
Cover Editorial Preview 9
-
Guess who our New Black Beauty Magazine Cover Model Is? Stay tuned to find
out! Photo: Weldon Bond | www.weldonbond.com (ig: @weldonbond) Cover Model:
? ...
5 weeks ago
Black Travel
-
Master the Art of Asking Epic Travel Questions!
-
I’m blessed to have built a career in travel journalism over the last 12
years. Putting myself in the position to field hundreds of questions weekly
acro...
1 month ago
-
Black Music Festivals in 2023
-
2023 promises to be a big year for black music with a variety of festivals
featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. What were some of your
favo...
7 months ago
-
-
Black Notes
-
Bridal Editorial at Sofitel Legend Hotel in Casco Viejo Celebrates Panama as an Emerging Wedding Destination
-
Former Miss Panama 2022, Cecilia Del Carmen Medina, stars in this gorgeous
bridal editorial at the Sofitel Legend Hotel in Casco Viejo, Panama.
The post ...
1 day ago
-
Review/ Good Deeds #1
-
[image: Review/ Good Deeds #1]
"Good Deeds #1 is a tale of horror where I genuinely care about the
protagonists."
Continue reading
1 day ago
-
Master the Art of Asking Epic Travel Questions!
-
I’m blessed to have built a career in travel journalism over the last 12
years. Putting myself in the position to field hundreds of questions weekly
acro...
1 month ago
-
UNESCO Named Accra, Ghana, the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023
-
UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay has named Accra, Ghana, the UNESCO
World Book Capital for 2023, following the evaluation of the World
4 months ago
-
3 Strategies to Prioritize Self-Care & Pampering Sessions
-
Self-care is a powerful way to shower yourself with affection and love and
consider your needs a priority. Pampering sessions may seem like an
indulgence...
8 months ago
-
RV tire blowout part 4 – final
-
Recap – We had a major tire blowout on I-75 in Florida on our way back to
Georgia. I spent the night at Camping World’s parking lot. Drove back to
Georgia....
11 months ago
-
What We’re Reading | 2021 Staff Favorites
-
2021 is coming to a close. We laughed, we cried, and we read through the
chaos of living through another year of the pandemic. In honor of another
amazing ...
1 year ago
-
-
Which Attachment Style Are You? (And How It Impacts Your Relationships)
-
Adult attachment theory impacts every aspect of your romantic
relationships. However, very few people know what their attachment style
is, or have ever e...
2 years ago
Interesting Black Links
-
More than 800,000 People Are Having Their Student Loans Forgiven Ahead of Pause Ending
-
After three years, the federal student loan pause is coming to an end.
Borrowers who’ve had a necessary reprieve from paying back their student
debt will...
36 minutes ago
-
Jeannie Mai & Jeezy Are Reportedly Still Living Together Amid Divorce As Jeannie Fights To Save Their Marriage
-
Despite filing for divorce earlier this month, Jeezy is still living under
the same roof as his wife of two years, Jeannie Mai.
2 hours ago
-
‘Love & Basketball’ Star Omar Epps Steps Back Into the Sci-Fi Realm With ‘NUBIA: THE RECKONING’
-
Omar Epps’ new book, NUBIA: THE RECKONING, continues the saga of Zuberi,
Uzochi and Lencho, the first of a new generation of Nubians to awaken to
extraor...
1 day ago
-
Review/ Good Deeds #1
-
[image: Review/ Good Deeds #1]
"Good Deeds #1 is a tale of horror where I genuinely care about the
protagonists."
Continue reading
1 day ago
-
Black Innovation Alliance Launches “Clapback” Campaign to Counter Affirmative Action Disinformation
-
Following on from recent attacks on Black equity and innovation, Black
Innovation Alliance (BIA) has launched its “Clapback” campaign to galvanize
the co...
1 week ago
-
Everyday Life With Crypto: 5 Unique Gift Ideas
-
This year crypto is more than a buzzword! With over 18465 cryptocurrencies
already making their movements in the market, investors are getting
innovative...
1 year ago
-
Kanye West Legally Changes Name To Ye
-
He cited “personal reasons” for the change.
1 year ago
The power of the pen is undeniable, but what happens when that pen is wielded by someone who's been told their story doesn't matter?...
-
Most of the time when a comedian calls out a heckler or someone just being disruptive in the audience it leads to laugh, maybe some applaus...
-
In a world where Black lesbians characters are both limited and limiting, Jerrie Johnson and her portrayal of tech–star Tye in Amazon Prim...
-
The Rev. Stricjavvar “Strick” Strickland of Kalamazoo’s Second Baptist Church has been charged with 11 felonies A pastor in Kalamazoo is ...