Kwanzaa and Climate: Rediscovering African-American Traditions of Protecting the Environment (UPDATED: December 2022, originally published December 2018)
It is time for the annual celebration of Kwanzaa, the African-American commemoration of family, community and culture. For seven days, families around the country gather together in groups ranging from large church congregations to small kitchen table conversations, all in an effort to connect, remember and embrace what makes us who we are. Personally, I love to use this time as a period of reflection and preparation for the upcoming year. It is renewing and refreshing all at the same time. But as the issues of climate and protection of our environment loom heavy over our heads, I’m in awe of how much we, as a community, have NOT acknowledged the influence and importance of African-American voices in the climate conversation. We simply do not see ourselves enough despite having so much at stake.
Black folks have understood, appreciated and protected the environment for centuries. It’s part of our culture and woven into all aspects of our lives. Who among us doesn’t have a grandmother with a garden outback, an aunt that recycles everything (including aluminum foil and those plastic bags from the grocery store) or the old man down the street that can predict the rain by how his arthritis is acting up. Together we’ve experienced the loss of loved ones to illness borne from the pollution in our communities while at the same time, embracing the warmth of fresh foods lovingly prepared from the backyards of friends and neighbors.
Let us take time to examine issues on climate and environmental protections as it relates to the African-American community. Below are the seven days outlined through the lens of people and organizations that are connecting with our traditions, educating our children and take larger roles in protecting this sacred space we share call home. Read, learn and share.
Umoja (Unity) — December 26
As a child growing up in the Mississippi Delta, I recall many stories that either started or ended with dirt and water. Truth be told, you cannot fully embrace black southern culture without a true respect for the land worked and how it must be respected. Likewise, the Kwanzaa principle of Umoja ties us together not only as people and community, but also is inclusive of our natural surroundings. Our brothers and sisters at Fresh Start Farms in Manchester, NH are making that correlation as a key connector for immigrant and refugee farmers. The cooperative includes members from several countries including Congo, Bhutan and Somali and encourages sustainable farm practices to provide both fresh food and economic stability to participants. The program encourages partnership and levering benefits that help one another. Even SNAP benefits can be doubled by purchasing from local farmers. Together, they are continuing to show that we have a responsibility to nurture and respect the land as much as we do our family. In fact, the land IS our family and should not be neglected. In doing so, the earth can provide for us all just as it is for them.
Kujichagulia (Self Determination) December 27
Environmental justice is often the story polluting the poor. Did you know that 68% of African-Americans live within 30 miles of a coal fired power plant? Poor and minority Americans are more likely to suffer air related health disparities simply by virtue of the pollution that surrounds their homes. In the spirit of Kujichagulia (Self Determination) leaders in the black community are elevating voices and encouraging us to speak for ourselves to fight the air pollution and climate insecurities that surround front-line populations across the country. Sharon Lavigne, one of the founders of Rise St. James is the epitome of Kujichagulia. Winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, Sharon is a retired school teacher and community leader. Together with members of the community, Rise St. James defeated a billion dollar plastics plant that attempted to located in their backyard. Instead of allowing the continued legacy of pollution in an area of Louisiana known as “Cancer Alley”, the citizens rallied together and demanded environmental justice. A faith based organization, Rise St. James became a literal David defeating Goliath. The message is simple; Climate action can be a stone to the head of a giant. We just need more willing slingshots.
Sharon Lavigne was honored by Notre Dame this year. Listen to her incredible remarks here!
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) December 28
When society fails to acknowledge the real issues and difficulties within the community, the community rises up to resolve its own problems. This is the concept behind Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility). It is our duty to make our brother and sister’s troubles our troubles and together, find solutions that work for us all. While pollution and climate change have dis-proportionality impacted minority living spaces, environmental organizations within the African-American community are taking account of their surroundings and solving problems together. There are two organizations to highlight this year.
Often we look at fields of work and don’t see ourselves. Black Oak Collective is solving that problem by building the bridges to climate, clean energy, environmental restoration, environmental education and many others. It is a “community for professionals, students, culture workers, organizers, and all Black people interested in creating the environmental future we deserve.” Not only does BOC host networking events and informational sessions, they have one of the hottest job boards for professionals in climate or sustainability work.
The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) is the epitome of Ujima and a great example of how groups are tackling environmental problems while creating Eco-friendly spaces. “WAWA represents African American neighborhoods in Northwest and Southwest Atlanta that are most inundated with environmental stressors, but are least represented at environmental decision-making tables” WAWA Website, 2019.
WAWA was born from a southwest Atlanta’s neighborhood’s fight against discriminatory waste water treatment practices. In 1995, local organizers began working together to not only bring attention to the environmental injustices of the community, but also to educate citizens on important environmental policy and regulations impacting the neighborhood. Today, WAWA teaches residents how to conduct water testing in local water bodies, operates a 26 acre urban forestry center and has been successful in protecting over 400 acres of greenspace from development in southwest Atlanta; a traditional black community. The organization partners with groups throughout the country to bring attention to environmental issues but emphasis the importance of sharing solutions that are based in science and can be taught within the residential community. WAWA is teaching us all that collectively working together to solve problems can yield unlimited positive results.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) December 29
“Green” is definitely the new “Black” and going green to get the green is the new reality! Sustainable, eco-friendly businesses and philanthropy are growing by leaps and bounds around the world. While some may debate the reality of global warming and its impact on the planet, businesses have discovered that green industry practices are a cost efficient business strategy that preserves dwindling natural resources. This idea rings true for foundations and giving as well as government, technology and small family run businesses. Meet Gloria Walton, a community organizer from South Central LA who saw the immediate discrepancies in how much funding was going to black and brown led organizations. Today she leads the Solutions Projects and aids organizations to receive millions in grant funds.
Nia (Purpose) December 30
At the end of the year our timelines are filled with thoughts and ideas about making new resolutions for the next year. Commitments to lose weight, save money, get out of debt and spend more time with family are built upon the previous year’s guilt. Although made with good intentions, our personal resolutions are often made with only ourselves in mind. During the celebration of Kwanzaa, Nia (the fifth day) is set aside for internal reflection on how we can combine both personal and collective objectives to benefit the community as a whole. Nia pushes us to consider goals that exceed our own personal growth and have exponential, generational aspirations. It is deep thinking that can and should push you out of your comfort zone.
When I served as the Regional Administrator for EPA in the Southeast, traveling was a major part of my job and airports were my second home. On a routine trip to an EPA conference, I boarded the flight behind a woman I can only describe as regal. Head up and shoulders back, I could tell from the gray and black dreads that hung from her sunny yellow headscarf that she was wisdom, fire and kindness all wrapped into one human package of love. All of a sudden, my position meant nothing and I had to meet her. Little did I know I was enjoying my first encounter with Dr. Mildred McClain, a noted figure in the environmental justice movement.
Immediately, she embraced me as a daughter, looked me straight in the eyes and unwavering, asked me a question; “Why are you doing this work?” It came as a splash of cold water to the face. Sure, I’ve been asked why environmental work many times before however, there was something about the genuine and sincere concern in her face. Instantly I knew this would be no BS thirty second answer. She wasn’t asking me a question, she was challenging me to think about why eco issues were important to the African-American community. She was demanding that I recognize the impacts of climate change to the many generations to come. Dr. McClain was making sure that I knew this was not just a job, but a calling to do life work for the planet. She was asking me to do a Nia level inquiry of my own intentions and it changed my work forever.
As you set your goals for 2023, think long on how work to improve our environment improves our community as a whole. Consider ways to educate friends about eco-friendly ways to reduce your impact to the environment at home. Research the current administration’s attempts at rollbacks to regulations that protect front-line communities, then add your comments to oppose these reversals. Set goals to learn, teach and inspire. Allow the principle of Nia to last throughout the year and help protect our environment for generations to come.
Kuumba (Creativity) December 31
Creativity expressed through art and music are as natural to the African American community as a fish to water. Every major social justice movement has been accompanied by its own artist that have conveyed the emotion and passion felt in the midst of hardship and pain. Memories woven into quilts from slavery and depictions of life in the 60’s through Norman Rockwell’s paintings are just a few examples of movement creativity. Art as action moves our five physical senses to a shared experience then compels us to act. Art as environmental action has the same effect. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art presented an exhibit entitled “Earth Matters”, showcasing artist from Africa that documented the environmental impacts of pollution. The exhibit is a beautiful example of the imaginative way artist bring unique views to the global influence of climate change. Although the exhibit has ended, you can still see the art here and visit the museum for more amazing art.
Imani (Faith) January 1st
Belief. Confidence. Blessed Assurance. Trust. Reliance.
Faith.
My favorite definition is found in Hebrews 11:1; “Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Faith is the very element that keeps our community moving forward in every waking moment. Despite challenge, devastation, failures and let down, faith is what deepens our resolve that tomorrow can be better if we believe and act. Still, faith without action has no purpose. Action is more than just talk. We must put work to our words and undertake task that push us toward achieving the goals of our faith. Green the Church is a great example of a faith based organization that puts actions to their faith. They are helping congregations incorporate the fight against climate change into their message. With the understanding that community survival is critical to us all, they work to help churches serve as centers of resilience for their communities and a resource bank for residents. Green the church has a goal of mobilizing 1000 African-American churches to take action on climate change and participate in environmental topics within their communities. They are activating Imani daily and encouraging us to do likewise. Start 2023 with the faith that even the smallest action can result in an avalanche of results!
