A Young Climate Movement Leader on being Black and Queer
US Youth Climate Strike spoke with Isabel Valentín, a 17-year-old located in Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico on the importance of intersectionality and focus on justice within the climate movement. She currently serves as the Puerto Rico Logistics Director and on the National Logistics and Policy teams of the US Youth Climate Strike.
Black History Month is an opportunity for us to reflect and acknowledge the foundational work of black leaders throughout history and also to celebrate their leadership. As crucial as the intention of this month continues to be, it is not enough. The climate movement must continue to be a space that prioritizes these voices year-round as we know the climate crisis will disproportionately impact black identifying folks, people of color, lgbtq+ people, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and all marginalized groups.
USYCS: There is power in personal narrative and the reclaiming of our stories and legacies. What is your personal story and how did your involvement in this work begin?
Isabel Valentín: Growing up I knew that my home Puerto Rico was going to be the most affected by climate change. However, it was never something I quite realized or internalized since I was used to just being told. Then I began a job working at a nature camp and saw myself having to explain to kids aged 9–12 how the climate crisis was affecting them. I told them about the toxic containments people had been exposed to and about coral reefs that were dying. It was through this repetition of having to explain our dire situation countless times that allowed me to feel the true heartbreak of it all. After it sunk in I felt really overwhelmed. I then made the choice to be proactive and got involved which led me to USYCS.
USYCS: We hear a lot about the “environmental movement” as compared to the “climate justice movement”, what is your personal definition of climate justice?
Isabel Valentín: For me, climate justice means that frontline communities receive resources they need to survive this crisis and that allows them to thrive independently. This would look like communities such as Guayama, Puerto Rico receiving monetary reparations for those medically affected by toxic contaminants. The coasts of the archipelago are disappearing due to extreme coastal erosion, and this affects coastal communities due to poor infrastructure and planning. Climate justice would mean ensuring these citizens’ homes are safe.
USYCS: Where do you believe the climate movement has failed in terms of race?
Isabel Valentín: The climate movement overall does a bad job of calling out the right folks. All too often I hear people blaming or critiquing individuals especially marginalized folks for doing things like drinking almond milk, or regular milk, or using a plastic straw. Yes, these are technically detrimental acts but the focus should not be attacking low-income and disenfranchised communities. We instead need to be calling out wall street, billionaires, corporations, and forces such as imperialism. We need to be acknowledging that often those who are carrying this out are white, straight people who will never face the intensity experienced by black and LGBTQ people.
“We instead need to be calling out wall street, billionaires, corporations, and forces such as imperialism.”
USYCS: How do you see the youth climate movement being spoken about now? What is being left out?
Isabel Valentín: Honestly, I am sick and tired of hearing the typical narrative of white people going to legislators speaking about how their future is at risk when it is my present. I am tired of these voices being the ones that are amplified and centered instead of places where the crisis actually is. I think about how many people have died because of Hurricane Maria which was made more intense by climate change. This is my reality, not the future. It is now and so these are the voices that must be uplifted not privileged ones who won’t see effects until years down the road.
“I am sick and tired of hearing the typical narrative of white people going to legislators speaking about how their future is at risk when it is my present.”
USYCS: In relation to climate justice, What lessons do you believe can be learned from the experiences of black history makers?
Isabel Valentín: I believe that black revolutionaries and change makers knew that we were not going to achieve peace or liberation by appealing to the oppressor’s sense of morality. There is an inherent lack of empathy present in these institutions that are carrying out the destruction of the planet. This leads to a disregard for those being hurt by these unjust policies. Black folks have been standing up to these systems of oppression for centuries and I have learned through them that so often we can’t just appeal to those in power.
USYCS: If you belong to a community group, how can you make sure that all voices in your home city are represented? How might your group go the extra mile to make sure black and frontline folks are prioritized?
Isabel Valentín: Simply stepping back and giving a group that includes some black people space is not a good enough way to solve systematic oppression. Saying something like “Now black people can speak does not mean they feel safe speaking in white spaces.” I am confident in saying that people have felt threatened by me in all spaces. I’m looking for people to give me space and say “This is yours right now and here is how we are going to support you.” I am expecting groups to listen to BIPOC demands and follow them instead of imposing their own ideas of what equity and inclusion are.
USYCS: Who are some black student activists you really look up to?
Isabel Valentín: So many! Right off the bat some youth organizers who are both friends and sources of inspiration include Sabreen Tuku (@sabreentuku), Mariam Jallow (@mariamjallow_), Ayanna Lee (@ayan2a), and Isra Hirsi (@israhirsi). Support black activists and uplift their voices!
USYCS: What message do you have for other students or youth organizers? What message do you have for adult allies and organizers?
Isabel Valentín: For youth organizers, I would say take care of yourself just because we’re living in this movement does not mean we have to die for it. Especially women of color I see self-care as an act of revolution. So often mindsets that are influenced by things like capitalism tell you to keep going but burnout helps no one out.
For adult organizers, I would say realize that just because you hold a degree or experience does not mean you are better or bigger. Sometimes it is important to take a step back and not impose your views on what help means.
USYCS: Anything other messages you want people to take away from this?
Isabel Valentín: Yeah, voices of color matter and they aren’t being treated as such. We want more black recognition and not in a tokenizing way. How can you tell the difference? The difference is in how the voice is brought to the table. Is it because you need more diversity or is it because you value this person and their community. It is okay to state that some people have more valuable input than others, accept their voices matter more.
Note: The views of the author may not reflect the views of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike.
