As an environmental organization rooted in protecting and restoring the Mystic River watershed for the benefit of present and future generations, we must acknowledge the important history Black people have played in the environmental movement—and the role they continue to play in advancing environmental science and justice. Environmental concerns, such as climate change, pollution, and conservation, have been led by all Americans. However, Black voices and issues are largely silenced in the environmental realm, though Black communities are hit the hardest by environmental injustices. For Black History Month, we will be sharing the important role they play in celebrating, protecting and taking action towards the betterment of the environment.
While we agree that it is important to celebrate Black history during the month of February, we also want to acknowledge that Black voices should be celebrated every month and not simply confined to the shortest month of the year. We commit to continuously highlighting Black stories, people and organizations throughout our communications, outreach and other forms of engagement all months of the year. We encourage our members, partners and supporters to do the same.
We will start with sharing past and current scientists, advocates and simply lovers of our natural world. If you identify as Black and would like to share your connection to nature or science via visual art, poem, storytelling or another medium during 2021, please contact us at erica.wood@Mysticriver.org for a paid opportunity.
READ
“Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” by Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumms
“Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality” by Dr. Robert D. Bullard
LISTEN
How to Save a Planet’ Podcast with Dr. Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson (and Michael Bloomberg)
‘Black Environmentalism & Settler-Colonial education’ by Raices Verdes Podcast
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
