Black people have been on the front lines for all social justice issues. For environmental justice, it is no doubt that black people are combating this issue and fighting for healthier communities for all. For Black History Month, I chose to highlight some pioneering black people in the movement for environmental Justice. Stay tuned as the month continues!
Dr. Robert Bullard
Known as the father of environmental justice, Dr. Robert Bullard has been a voice of environmental justice. Bullard first started getting involved with environmental justice in the 1970s when his wife worked on a case representing a black community in Texas that was facing environmental discrimination. Since then, he has become an author of over 18 books dedicated to environmental education. Bullard has also founded the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate justice and continues to be an environmental policy advocate at Texas Southern University.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas is an influential environmental and social justice activist. Creating the term “intersectional environmentalism,” Leah uses her platform to discuss how all injustices intertwine with the environment through her non-profit, Intersectional Environmentalist and her eco-lifestyle blog, GreenGirlLeah. Her book The Intersectional Environmentalism: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet
Jerome Foster II
Through social activism, Jerome Foster II uses social media as a platform to spread awareness about environmental injustice internationally. He is the founder of Waic Up, a social organization dedicated to making social change. Along with Waic Up, Jerome is the youngest White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council member in U.S. history and is continuing to spread political environmental change
Leah Penniman
Leah Penniman is a farmer, food justice advocate, and co-founder of Soul Fire Farm– whose aim is to end racism in the food production system. Through education, Leah’s mission is to learn from our ancestors how to ethically sourced the food we eat. Their books Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm’s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land and Black Earth Wisdom: Soulful Conversations with Black Environmentalist are informative readings on her love for nature and human interaction.
Rue Mapp
Connecting black people and nature, Rue Mapp founded Outdoor Afro, an organization dedicated to getting black people outdoors and educating them on the importance of environmental justice.