ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE
Environmental Racism in Denver Schools: Examining the Air Quality Gap- Podcast by Cristal Cisneros, Grace Carlin & Kelsey Tayne
In this story, we look at the issue of environmental injustice in Denver. Many students attending schools in Denver that serve predominantly students of color are exposed to poor air quality on a daily basis. This has serious health implications for students at these schools. This issue is connected to histories of racism and segregation, through practices such as redlining.
Our History is the Future -book by Nick Estes
This book traces Indigenous resistance from the Lakota people’s attempt to deny Lewis and Clark passage down the Missouri River in 1804, to the Red Power movement’s demands for treaty enforcement in the 1960s, to today’s Indigenous-led fights against fossil fuel projects. The author argues Indigenous people represent a powerful challenge to the profit-driven forces that threaten continued life on the planet.
Madre Tierra - a poem by Cristal Cisneros
This is a poem I wrote for Conservation Colorado that talks about my personal relationship with environmental racism.
These Five Black LGBTQ+ Activists Are Literally Saving The Planet- article by Neesha Powell-TWAGIRUMUKIZA
Amazing queer women of color who need to be recognized for their work.
I am passionate about climate change and environmental justice. I know that we cannot have conversation about climate change without taking into account how it disproportionately affects BIPOC. What I learned about power and privilege is knowing when you are taking up space and how to use your platform to invite voices that are often left out in the mainstream environmental movement. It is not just my voice and my story that matter. Youth have a lot to say about the future of their planet and I want to make sure I am sharing their message in an honest way and inviting them to the table. Because ultimately they are the future and the future of the planet is in our hands. We must act. Knowing that I get to share the stage and use my platform to highlight the voices of youth of color is what drives me to continue to teach environmental justice to the brilliant youth scholars. This video is about how we can invite youth of color to the larger conversation around climate change and environmental justice. Originally from Gary Indiana, a town with a history of environmental injustice. Cristal is first generation Mexican and loves nature! She is currently working on her doctorate in Education focusing on environmental racism and environmental injustice and its impact on students of color. As one of ten siblings who grew up harvesting the beautiful brown earth to feed not only their large family but also their hearts. Nature is medicina Environmental justice es en mi sangre. From the ancient Azteca days, Madre tierra days, the pre-Conquest days, our goddess tonantzin days, maker of moon and stars days, my ancestors worshiped her days. Developing an environmental justice curriculum for youth of color is not the only solution. Because, Berta Caceres who in her last words stated “Our Mother Earth – militarized, fenced-in, poisoned, a place where basic rights are systematically violated – demands that we take action.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx