Black Lives Matter, Black Health Matters

Over the last few weeks my inbox and social media feeds have been inundated by anti-racism statements from all the companies and individuals I follow. It’s been exciting to witness this movement grow exponentially and to see the subsequent changes made by local and state level governments to end police brutality and begin the work of dismantling systemic racism. We have reached an unprecedented “critical mass” in recent weeks, which gives me hope that change will continue within our hearts, minds, families, communities and governments.

For some this will be a “cause du jour” and once the hype dies down, they will be onto the next big thing; but if we truly want to see lasting change we need to commit to this work for the long haul. If you follow me on social media you already know where I stand, but I also wanted to share some resources and ways to take action (see below) that are foundational to creating a more equitable world.

Obviously nutrition is my focus and while everyone should have access to fresh, nutritious food, this is not the case. The lack of access to nutritious, healthy food is one of the most effective forms of oppression, so eliminating the systemic racism within our food system and environmental policies is crucial. If people don’t have access to nutritious food or clean drinking water, they will struggle to thrive and become successful in life so food sovereignty is a big part of an equitable society. The same goes for toxic exposures as toxic waste sites are mostly located in areas near BIPOC communities1, 2.

I believe that those of us in the wellness and medical communities need to lead the charge by supporting Black, Indigenous and POC-owned farms, pushing for better environmental protections, and by boycotting big food, big agriculture and big chemical companies (this is just the tip of the iceberg). I’m also committing to continue amplifying Black voices, supporting BIPOC-owned businesses and donating a minimum of 10% of my income to charities, which include: Soul Fire Farm Institute, Color of Change and National Black Food and Justice Alliance.

To my beloved clients and readers of color: I want each of you to know that I value you and I hope that my practice is a place where you feel safe, seen, heard, loved and supported. I am sorry that you have endured the deep-seated racism in this country (and worldwide) for generations, and that this still continues to be the reality, and I commit to doing what I can to fight for lasting change. I know I have a lot to learn, therefore I also commit to listening and being teachable. Thank you for giving me the honor to support you in your wellness journey!

To my white clients and readers: Many of you have told me that you want to affect change and stand up for the Black Community but aren’t sure where to start, and some of you are dealing with chronic illness so attending protests with large crowds is a major health risk for you. Many of us hesitate to take action because we are afraid of not getting it right, but the fact is that any time we learn something new, we’re going to make mistakes along the way. The key is not to abandon learning that skill, but to learn from the mistake and keep going because we can’t improve if we don’t practice and continue learning. Some of us will march, some will donate, some will write and call on leaders to demand change, and all of us should VOTE. There is a place for everyone to make a difference and all modes of activism are important.

I saw a great sign recently that read “Matter is the minimum. Black lives are worthy. Black lives are beloved. Black lives are needed.” I hope we will all continue to take action and keep the movement for Black lives strong. We must maintain a critical mass if we want to create a better world because dismantling systems built on racism and oppression takes all of us working together, and it won’t happen overnight. Stay strong everyone and keep your foot on the gas! Peoples’ lives depend on it.

Read and listen to:

• Why Food Is a Social Justice Issue – Dr. Hyman and Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm

• A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind by Harriett Washington

• Farming While Black by Leah Penniman

• Toxic Communities: Environmental Racism, Industrial Pollution, and Residential Mobility by Dorceta Taylor

• Environmental Oppression: Who Is Targeted for Toxic Exposure? 

• Food Equity: Building a Fair Food System For Everyone

• We don't farm because it's trendy; we farm as resistance, for healing and sovereignty

• Agents of Change: Amplifying neglected voices in environmental health

• How to Support Black Lives Matter Online

• Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality in American Health Care by Dayna Bowen Matthew

• There’s Something In the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous & Black Communities by Ingrid R. G. Waldron

• Clean and White A History of Environmental Racism in the United States by Carl A. Zimring

Shop:

• BLK + GRN An All-Natural marketplace by All Black Artisans

• The Ultimate List of Black Owned Farms & Food Gardens

• Black Farmers Index: A guide to Black farms in the US

• Sky Island Farm CSA (Hoquiam, WA)

• 10 Local Black-Owned Farms That You Should Support

• Clean Greens Farm & Market

• Black Futures Farm CSA (Portland, OR – CSA is currently full)

• Mandela Grocery (Oakland, CA)

• Farms To Grow CSA (Oakland, CA)

• Fruits N Rootz

Support:

• National Black Food & Justice Alliance

• Hilltop Urban Gardens Tacoma, WA

• National Black Environmental Justice Network

• Navajo Water Project

• Urban Ocean Lab

• Black Food Sovereignty Coalition

• Farms To Grow, Inc.

• Nurturing Roots Farm - A Seattle community farming program focused on educating youth & community members on healthy food choices. Creating community through gardening

• Green Heffa Farms, Inc.

• Detroit Food Academy

• The Ron Finley Project

• A Growing Culture

Follow:

• Kevin Curry @fitmencook

• Ron Finley @ronfinleyproject

• Soul Fire Farm @@soulfirefarm

• Black Food Sovereignty NW @blackfoodnw

• Nurturing Roots Farm @nurturingrootsfarm

• Black Futures Farm @blackfutures.farm

• A Growing Culture @agrowingculture

• Kimberly Fe’Lix @kimberly__felix

• Kelley Green, author of Perfectly Imperfect @kelleyGreen_

• Peace Amadi @itspeaceamadi – Psychology Professor, Author, Speaker, Host

Resources:

Building the case for Racial Equity in the Food System - Center for Social Inclusion

https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/african-american

Maher, T. (1998). Environmental Oppression: Who Is Targeted for Toxic Exposure? Journal of Black Studies, 28(3), 357-367. Retrieved June 12, 2020, from www.jstor.org/stable/2784738

InDeep Initiative - Resource Guide for Funders on Sustainable Food Systems Organizations Led by People of Color and Indigenous Communities