Bridging the Environmental and Social Justice Movements

A Light at the Crossroads: Bridging the Environmental and Social Justice Movements

"People working for social justice don't often expect to see compostable silverware, organic food, or hear the word "green" mentioned enthusiastically at meetings. Folks attending environmental gatherings don't often expect to see many people of color or to even hear the words “racial justice.” We can change this. For a start, we can insist on a new definition of green - one that includes racial, social, and economic justice alongside environmental sustainability. And we can choose to combine forces, demanding eco-equity from both directions.

A movement that is courageous and visionary on the environment, but cowardly and ignorant about social issues will fail.

A movement that is visionary and passionate on the social side, but is ignorant and indifferent on the ecological side will also fail.

There is a light at the crossroads. At the crossroads is a movement that could bring a beautiful, clean environment while ushering in new jobs and opportunities for people who need them. At the crossroads is a movement that could turn blighted land into new community gardens, while building lasting relationships among residents, creating real safety."
~Van Jones of the Green-Collar Jobs Campaign, and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Initiative
http://www.ellabakercenter.org/page.php?pageid=29&contentid=26