From white environmentalism to anti-racism

Episode #27

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Many environmental organizations are trying to figure out how to become anti-racist in a space with a longstanding history of both intentional and unintentional racism and exclusion. Many white leaders in our movement are simultaneously grappling with a personal history of ignorance and inaction on the problem of racism in America. In this candid co-interview, Brooking and Upstream’s Executive Director, Matt Prindiville talk about their personal and professional learning journeys, their shared work to shift culture and practice at Upstream, and the crucial role of racial justice in the #breakfreefromplastic movement.

Resources:

• Tema Okun’s Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

• Dismantling Racism -  a Resource Book for Social Change Groups (which includes details on the spectrum of organizations Matt refers to, from the ‘all white club’ to the anti-racist organization).

• More on the history of racism in the environmental movement

• Reesma Menakem’s work on racialized trauma in the body

• The Emergence Collective’s Resources for Learning about White Privilege and Racial Equity

Many environmental organizations are trying to figure out how to become anti-racist in a space with a longstanding history of both intentional and unintentional racism and exclusion. Many white leaders in our movement are simultaneously grappling with a personal history of ignorance and inaction on the problem of racism in America.