The year 2020 has been one for the books. From the passing of our hero Kobe Bryant to a worldwide pandemic to the government admitting the existence of aliens to the revival of the Civil Rights Movement. Racial injustice is at the tip of everyone’s tongue as we stand in solidarity to remind everyone that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
It’s a beautiful time to be on the right side of history. It has been no secret as to the racial inequalities African Americans have faced throughout history especially in regards to police brutality. The only difference is, it is now being recorded and uploaded to the internet for the world to see. And thankfully so.
Everyone from celebrities to corporations have voiced their solidarity and joined the fight against racial inequality and police brutality. Reebok, Ben and Jerry’s, ADIDAS, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Twitter to name a few. Even environmental groups are getting involved with organizations like Heal the Bay, Greenpeace, NRDC etc.
So, don’t worry, you are not straying away from your mission of environmental preservation and justice as an environmental nonprofit when you also incorporate social justice as well. In fact, it is important to note that environmental justice and social injustice go hand in hand.
Actually, environmentalism was once a social justice movement. This is evident in environmental racism which is defined as “a type of racism perpetrated by the disproportionate location of environmental hazards near economically and socially disadvantaged areas”. It is no coincidence that the most polluted areas and industries are strategically placed in lower-income areas which through systemic racism always just so happens to be the black and brown population in America.
Environmental sociology is the study of interactions between societies and their natural environment. It is really hard for certain parts of society (minorities) to focus on injustice happening on the natural environment when their immediate social justice is at risk. Hence the lack of diversity in the environmental movement.
It is difficult to focus on environmental preservation when a society’s necessary needs are not being met. It’s almost a privilege to focus your activism on environmentalism because that is your most pressing issue. Unfortunately, the reason we do not see many people of color in the environmental movement is that they are focusing on other pressing matters like not dying for jogging in a neighborhood. We can’t expect those oppressed people to fight for environmental justice at the same time. It’s exhausting. But alas, we do. I do.
Yes, you may receive angry donors and supporters who feel you should “stay in your place” or remain neutral in the face of injustice. They may tell you you need to mind your business. They may even take away their donations and support. But think to yourself. Would you really want that type of supporter supporting your cause? Nonprofits have found themselves in a pickle by receiving donations from problematic supporters anyway. In the words of Jeff Bezos, “you’re the kind of customer I’m happy to lose.”
Now is the time for everyone to speak up. Even corporations and nonprofits who have absolutely nothing to do with social justice and race inequalities. I mean, come one, Ben and Jerry’s is an ice cream company and they went in. They even have a new ice cream coming out called “Chocolate on Chocolate on Chocolate with a Carmel Swirl”. Just kidding. But really though, you will be fine. Your mission is safe. Everyone is doing it.
Just be genuine. If you don’t support it, please don’t fake it. But at least spend some energy questioning yourself on why you don’t support it and start your journey there. Don’t get into performative activism if it is not your thing. Because trust me, you will be called out with a “this you?”.
Please find resources to educate yourself on the matter and donate to causes supporting social justice.
ECO BAE 