As members of the sustainable community, we’re constantly educating ourselves and standing up for environmental justice. One concept that’s often overlooked is that environmental justice cannot happen without social justice. The two issues fall hand in hand.
The concept of intersectionality was developed in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Black civil rights activist and scholar. Intersectionality was born with feminism in mind. This centered around the idea that traditional feminist ideas and antiracist policies exclude black women because they face overlapping discrimination unique to them. Crenshaw explains that “because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.”
illustrations via @intersectionalenviromentalist
Looking back on the history of the environmental justice movements in the ‘60s and ‘70s, you’ll also notice that they coincided with the timeline of the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They both address the same basic concept of making the world a better place for future generations. Unfortunately, what’s missing in current day environmentalism is the connection between the two issues. That’s where intersectionality comes into play.
Over the past few years, environmental advocate, Leah Thomas, has been discussing the idea of Intersectional Environmentalism after realizing this concept was missing while getting her degree in Environmental Science. Intersectional Environmentalism sheds light on the communities that have been struggling the most due to environmental issues. “It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality.”
In efforts to spread awareness on the topic, Thomas and several other thought leaders in environmental justice started an online community to bring together people and brands to fight towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Stojo was founded by three dads who wanted to end disposable culture and make for a more sustainable world. We’re joining forces with our community to make sure we’re all working towards a brighter future for this planet (and EVERYONE on it).
Voices to follow:
Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah), Aditi Mayer (@aditimayer), Isaias Hernandez, (@queerbrownvegan)
