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intro.
Black. Brown. Green. Welcome.

 
 

 

Welcome to Black. Brown. Green. We are so glad you are here.

     Black. Brown. Green. links individuals of color and social justice issues with issues of environmental sustainability. BBG does this by partnering existing and successful methods, resources and leadership. We don't re-create the wheel. We strive to get the wheels working smoothly together as effective gears of global healing. All races are welcome at BBG.

      For years I have wanted to launch a project that shows how environmental and social justice issues are inextricably linked. Black. Brown. Green. brings this goal to life. People of color are deeply impacted by environmental issues from large scale policies to the effects of individual over-consumption and waste. Yet there remains a disconnect between pursuing social justice and environmental sustainability. I’ve often said during my anti-racism work, “if you don’t lower your consumption, people of color suffer.” This garners an unfortunate chuckle of disbelief from my audiences. BBG is a home to emphasize these very real connections.

      Black. Brown. Green. counters the widespread misrepresentation that people of color are not committed to environmental issues. We highlight some of the many people of color who have been working tirelessly on green issues in conjunction with social justice issues. People of color know what is like to be mistreated by our fellow humans and the leaders on Black. Brown. Green. fight for a healthier society that values all people and our planet. The connection of environmental and social justice issues is a critical step forward in both the green and social change movements. People of color are proud to be leading the way.

      Misconceptions about people of color plague the green movement. Many white environmental groups wring their hands wondering where all the people of color are. We have been working on environmental issues for decades without due recognition, sometimes being rendered invisible by typical green organizations who promote inaccessible symbols (celebrities, businesses, expensive technology) or claim "they just don't want to be involved" or "I can't find them" or "when I ask them they won't come." People of color have taken the lead in connecting of social justice and environmental issues. Partnering issues is the future of social change for our world. BBG showcases the leaders who are making this happen.

      On Black. Brown. Green., leaders, resources and organization of color take the forefront but we also feature white leaders who are striving to link social justice and environmental sustainability. We all share in this work-as partners in making a healthier world. Many of these leaders, however, are either social justice or environment focused, not both. We hope that by including them on Black. Brown. Green. they will be inspired to make the connections that are critical to our global survival. As the environment and social justice movements become more integrated, you'll see that integration reflected on BBG.

      It's time to get on the same page. The Black. Brown. Green. philosophy combines the 12 principles of Permaculture gardening with the 6 Principles and 6 Steps of Nonviolent Social Change. We hope that by making this formal connection of two solid and successful practices, more groups and individuals will find a common mission by which to define their activities. This philosophy can be a unifying force among people and activists from all walks of life.

      Welcome again. We hope you make Black. Brown. Green. a home for your work to make our world a better place. We invite you to share your resources, ideas, tips and models as we move forward together.

    Thank You.

  
   damali ayo

   Founder of Black. Brown. Green.

  

What’s in a Name?

"Black. Brown."
The Black-Brown movement has been connecting people of color as one community. We have learned through the years that we are stronger when our numbers are combined. We know how our histories are closely connected. We believe that when we take on each others issues we are stronger, smarter, better supported, more optimistic and can effect greater positive change for a larger number of people. People of color all over the world have begun to refer to themselves as "brown" as a way of uniting our experiences and our future success. We didn't call the site "black brown yellow red and white" because we know what "black brown" means- it means a world that includes us all.

“White Folks.”
We choose not to use the term “white allies” because it implies that the burden for change lies on the shoulders of people of color and white folks are secondary helpers. We need to see each other as equal partners working in tandem, not competition. There are times when white leaders know to take a step back and allow the wisdom of people of color to chart the path. Likewise, people of color know that there are times white voices have a unique and potent impact. Working together, we create a strong team that can generate significant change.

"Green."
Environmental organizations have developed a very limited definition of "green." At Black. Brown. Green. we realize that people are a part of the planet and that social justice has a significant impact on the way we relate to our planet. We know that healing can begin in many places, and as those roads converge, we see real social change being created. On BBG you will see discussion of a wide range of issues that impact our planet and our people. For example, adoption: Many people in the green movement will tell you that "supporting locally" or even eating locally is crucial to the health of the planet, but omit that adopting local children has a similar importance. Adoption (both international and local) also has a direct impact on the population crisis. Additionally, while the trend of international adoption has become very popular, local children of color still long for homes. Is this sustainable? Is the current trend of “saving the world's children” having a negative ecological impact? These are the tough questions that Black. Brown. Green. is exited to explore with you.