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The Untold Contributions of Black Communities
The Untold Contributions of Black Communities
The Legacy of Black Land Stewardship
The Legacy of Black Land Stewardship
Before sustainability became a global conversation, Black farmers and agriculturalists were already practicing regenerative farming, conservation techniques, and community-driven food systems. Listed below is just a highlight of these inspiring stories of people and communities. Be sure to click the link under each highlight to learn more about their story.
The Gullah/Geechee People & Coastal Conservation
The Gullah/Geechee People & Coastal Conservation
Descendants of enslaved West Africans, the Gullah/Geechee people of the Southeast U.S. have long protected and preserved coastal environments through sustainable fishing, farming, and land management. Their traditions have influenced modern conservation strategies.
Fannie Lou Hamer’s Freedom Farm Cooperative (1969)
Fannie Lou Hamer’s Freedom Farm Cooperative (1969)
Civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer recognized that true freedom required economic independence and food security. She founded the Freedom Farm Cooperative in Mississippi, empowering Black families with land, fresh food, and economic opportunities.
The Fight for Environmental Justice
The Fight for Environmental Justice
Black communities have long been on the front lines of environmental racism, disproportionately impacted by pollution, toxic waste, and industrial zoning.
Warren County Protests (1982)
Warren County Protests (1982)
A predominantly Black community in North Carolina protested against a hazardous waste landfill being dumped in their town, sparking the modern Environmental Justice Movement.
Flint & Jackson Water Crises
Flint & Jackson Water Crises
Systemic environmental racism continues today, as seen in water crises in Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi, where Black communities are denied access to clean drinking water.
Modern Black Environmentalists Leading Change
Modern Black Environmentalists Leading Change
Today, Black leaders continue to push for environmental and climate justice, here are a few:
Dr. Robert Bullard
Dr. Robert Bullard
Known as the Father of Environmental Justice, Dr. Bullard’s research exposed how pollution and hazardous waste disproportionately affect Black and low-income communities.
Mari Copeny (Little Miss Flint)
Mari Copeny (Little Miss Flint)
This young activist has been raising awareness about the ongoing water crisis in Flint and advocating for policy changes.
Catherine Coleman Flowers
Catherine Coleman Flowers
An environmental health advocate fighting for sanitation access in marginalized communities.
Building a Sustainable Future
Building a Sustainable Future
Honoring Black history in environmental justice means recognizing the past, amplifying current voices, and investing in sustainable solutions led by Black communities. From urban farming movements to climate activism, the future of sustainability must be intersectional and inclusive.
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