Thank You to Everyone Fighting for Inclusive Environmental Justice

Today is Earth Day 2022! Let us reflect on how we all are treating our shared environment and to appreciate the resources that ensure our collective survival.

Earth Day is especially important for the Black community because African Americans are more likely to live in areas exposed to toxic waste and polluted air — due to environmental racism. In fact, the New York Times reported grim findings that “Black Americans are exposed to more pollution from every type of source, including industry, agriculture, all manner of vehicles, construction, residential sources and even emissions from restaurants.”

In mainstream media, imagery from Earth Day can often focus on white citizens when, in fact, there are many Black and indigenous groups working at the forefront of the environmental justice movement. This Earth Day, we are reflecting on issues like environmental racism and celebrating some of the powerful Black-led organizations that champion transformative work toward environmental justice for communities.

Our biggest “Thank you!” to these organizations and everyone working for the environment and justice for communities disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental racism.

Black Millennials For Flint

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Black Millennials 4 Flint (@blackmillennials4flint)

Black Millennials For Flint (BM4F) is a Memphis-based, national environmental justice and civil rights organization focused on bringing like-minded organizations together to take action and advocate against the crisis of lead exposure in African American and Latinx communities throughout the nation.

You can support BM4F by checking out their current initiatives on their website.

The People’s Climate Movement 

We envision a world where a just transition to a clean and renewable energy economy creates millions of new, good jobs that can be unionized, provide family-sustaining wages, and where returns on new energy investments go to those who have for decades been left behind #MayDay

— Peoples Climate (@Peoples_Climate) May 1, 2020

The People’s Climate Movement started with the New York City People’s Climate March in September 2014. Under the banner of “to change everything, it takes everyone,” the march was the largest and most diverse climate mobilization on record. In the past five years, the organization has continued to mobilize across the country in small towns and big cities.

You can support The People’s Climate Movement by checking out their current initiatives on their website. 

Halo G.R.E.E.N. Garden

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HU Halo GREEN Garden (@huhalogarden)

The Halo G.R.E.E.N. (Gardening Revitalized for Eating Energetically and Naturally) garden was built in 2010 by Howard University students in Washington, D.C. The organization was formed with the mission of creating an on-campus space for students and community members to practice and learn alternative healing modalities, horticulture therapy, nutrition, and sustainable living.

You can support Halo G.R.E.E.N. by checking out their current initiatives on Instagram. 

Outdoor Afro

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Outdoor Afro HQ (@outdoorafro)

Outdoor Afro is a nonprofit organization working to ignite passion for environmental justice by inviting people to nature encounters in areas around the country. With more than 100 leaders in 56 cities, they are connecting thousands of people to nature tours and changing the face of conservation. On June 19, 2022, Outdoor Afro is hosting a 2.5-hour Juneteenth event to reflect in honor of the 2.5 years that freedom was delayed for 250,000 enslaved people of Galveston, Texas.

You can support Outdoor Afro by checking out their current initiatives on their website.

Afro Vegan Society

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Afro-Vegan Society (@afrovegansociety)

The Afro Vegan Society is a national nonprofit that is working to teach more people of color about the benefits of veganism. They provide resources, information, and support to people in these communities to help those interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle for their health and the environment.

You can support the Afro Vegan Society by checking out their current initiatives on their website.