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As we celebrate Black History Month, there are a lot of Black environmentalists that need to be highlighted for their efforts in Environmental Justice and Sustainability. Environmentalism is a movement aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting the natural environment. While this movement has grown in popularity and influence, the voices and perspectives of Black environmentalists are often not heard or given the same level of attention.
The environment and the way it is managed have a direct impact on communities and the people who live in them. The Black community, like many other communities of color, has been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and pollution. This has led to a higher incidence of health problems, such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and has contributed to the degradation of the quality of life for many Black Americans. Black environmentalists understand the importance of environmental issues and the impact they have on Black communities. They are working to raise awareness and push for change that will result in a more sustainable and just future for everyone. By bringing a unique perspective and voice to the environmental movement, Black environmentalists are playing a crucial role in advancing environmental justice and sustainability.
Hattie started something new within her community. Based in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York, Hattie began spreading tree seeds all around her community. Through this, Hattie formed her own environmental activist project which focused on planting trees and a community garden. Since the start of the initiation of this project, over 1,500 trees have been planted along the barren city sidewalks. In her promise and passion for environmentalism and sustainability, Hattie was one of the first Black organizers to “regreen” a neighborhood. Fighting for a life more prosperous than her own, her legacy was carried onward through many other activists within her community. The Hattie Carthan Garden Youth Corps, a community where people can develop skills in gardening, seasonal nutrition, food education, and environmental stewardship, creates food justice within low-income communities through the skill-sharing of many professions. Through this, it gives the youth a strong grasp of what it means to bring sustainability to fruition. Hattie’s influence on the community lives on and her vision for the future stands strong as she inspires many others after her.
Creating long-term change can seem like an extremely daunting task for an individual or corporation, however, Carthan proved to us that one small, localized change can lead to a broader impact. Businesses that embed themselves within the communities they serve and actively engage with community stakeholders can create lasting value. This may include sourcing locally, providing job opportunities, or addressing local challenges such as food insecurity or environmental degradation. Carthan’s leadership in environmental justice demonstrates the power of advocacy in effecting change. Businesses can embrace advocacy by aligning with social causes that resonate with their customers. This could include publicly supporting policies that promote environmental sustainability or adopting sustainable practices themselves. By following Carthan's example, businesses can become agents of change, fostering both economic growth and social responsibility.