Trying to Make Green the New Black

Trickle-down consciousness doesn't work any better than Reaganomics did for our communities. Not only are communities of color the worst hit by environmental danger zones, we also are some of the worst perpetrators with little awareness of recycling, adoption of hybrid vehicles or other ways we can be part of the solution. But don't fear, all is not lost.

 

Here's where the activists, artists and culture come in to play. What has emerged are two dynamic leaders of color who are raising the dialogue about the environment within the context of "Green jobs, not jails." The program stresses that we can be involved in our own environmental self-determination with job-training programs dedicated to retooling our communities to be environmentally sustainable. Van Jones of the Ella Baker Center and Green for All organization and Majora Carter of Sustainable South Bronx

are attacking the problem from the West and East Coasts simultaneously.

 

Why is this approach working? Because they are speaking to our communities with touch points that resonate with our people. How can we benefit economically from the green movement? How can we do well by doing good? How can we save money long term by going green? This is how you reach communities of color.