I live in a state that is considered environmentally progressive – Missouri.
In fact, there is a Clean Energy Initiative on the November 4 Ballot. Earlier this month, there was a Candidate Forum for the Environment in my town. All local candidates for State and US Congress seats were invited to share their views and positions on the environment and legislative policies they would endorse. The panel of 20 consisted of two, yes, two minorities. Both were young African-American professionals recently elected to state representative offices. I was proud and glad of their participation. However, I noticed that the audience of approximately 125 people included only two African-American members – me and my partner.
This made me think back to a question that has been broached before: Does the African-American Community care about environmental issues?
There is a public perception that environmental issues are not a concern of Black communities. Sadly this perception was evidenced by the lack of representation of our demographic in the hall. Historically, we have not been major players in the Environmental Movement. But like this year’s history-making election, the time for change is upon us. Thanks to the vision, leadership, and hard work of Majora Carter of Green the Ghetto and Van Jones of Green For All, Urban Environmentalism is a real movement. People, who have been overlooked or dismissed or who were disinterested, are now engaged and on fire. It is a movement of environmental advocacy, social justice, and economic enfranchisement. Urban communities and poor communities are really posed to take an important stand in this new world – this greener world.
However, more visibility is needed. It is important to let the larger community know that we, the African-American community, have a stake and voice on matters that concern the Environment. Moreover, it is imperative that we, the African-American community, know that we can depend on our leadership in these important matters.
There are several key issues affecting us and our nation right now and the environment is the central factor.
- The Economy: joblessness; domestic career opportunities; our declining savings and investment markets; and creating and expanding new business opportunities such as clean energy technologies.
- The Energy Crisis: America’s energy-independence; gas consumption; and oil, electricity, and natural gas availability.
- Food Production, Distribution and its cost: will farmers and ranchers be able to produce enough; and will we have enough to eat; and will we be able to afford it?
- Pollution and Natural Resources Management: clean water, air, and soil now and into the future.
Everything is a Green Issue.
It’s time for everyone to participate. No longer should some people suffer disproportionately or others disproportionately profit when resources are mismanaged. No longer should some people benefit from new time and money-saving technologies while others do not. No longer should some people be involved when important issues need to be resolved, but not others. There is no real reason why communities of color or working class communities cannot participate in the Green Movement.
Voices are raised. Join the Movement. Check out these videos, produced by Green For All, that were delivered to both the McCain and Obama campaigns letting them know – We Are Ready.
