#it disproportionately affects BIPOC

[catharticboredom]

Some dems are saying “this is why red states deserve hurricanes” and you losers are so fucking evil and stupid

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

own 2 cents about cure autism

autism cure research, generally not coming from point of, those with it wanting to improve life this way. but more so—people around them believe it what they want it what they need it improve life, and, uncured autism seen as … difficult for people around them, expensive for government to provide services, take up resources in medical places, etc.

majority autistic people *in actually autistic community, who understand this topic, & can talk about their opinion* don’t want whole cure

there not-small-group of autistic people who cannot reliably tell you what they think about this, or in way that easily understood (can’t communicate, can’t understand, etc). they need be remembered in this conversation (& arguably centered… bc they gonna be more affected. see below)

having said that. there exist autistic people of all types who would want cure for own autism. out of those have seen myself, majority of them [high support needs / nonverbal or level 2/3 or diagnosed severe or significant symptoms of some sort] whose life extremely different from peers because of it (& like majority of their problem not caused by “society” & won’t disappear if society & capitalism not exist anymore). it how they feel about their own autism, n feel counterproductive in “educating” them about their own (clearly personal and upset) feeling about what they want do with own disorder, especially since they not funding cure research or whatever. but—

autism, developmental disability that start in childhood, famous for be the “be treated as can understand and make own decisions” and “have autonomy respected” and “not ever forced coerced do anything” and “not force abusive therapy to make them appear ‘normal’ ” disorder. (sarcasm) — don’t really believe we as society are at place where we would actually respect “only for people who want it. won’t force it on people who not want it”.

aka. if cure is post-natal, AKA happen after birth… they will directly or indirectly force cure on autistic people

force post-natal autism cure will disproportionately impact those who… higher support needs, diagnosed level 2/3, diagnosed moderate severe, diagnosed low functioning, diagnosed comorbid intellectual disability or global developmental delay, diagnosed comorbid genetic developmental disability, nonverbal… diagnosed children, in conservatorship, ward of state, in prison, generally not fully legally allowed have final say in decision making… visibly autistic, have/said to have severe behavioral issues, BIPOC especially Black people… (incomplete list)

which. not to say autistic people who not any of these won’t be affected at all. because will. but as a whole, people on that list as a collective group, will be more impacted, more coerced, more forced, even won’t be given choice, to take cure (maybe won’t even be told was given cure), over people not on that list as a whole.

am going emphasize that autism is developmental disorder that start in childhood & children get diagnosed with it & children legally not final say in make decision & children very easily talked into agreeing without full informed decision & those diagnosed as children more likely be [higher support needs / nonverbal / more significant symptoms] (EDIT: at time of diagnosis) because those most noticeable earliest + global developmental delay then catch up later on happens (to vastly simply it to a fault, quoting someone, “no shit they high support needs, they children.”)

can also see welfare slowly not covering uncured autistic people, insurance decrease / deny / make harder coverage for autism related services other than cure, schools & esp special education less support for autism, etc. general official resources for autism decreasing (which. not much to begin with even pre-cure), which again impact all autistic people but especially list above… oh and poor people. can also see stuck in limbo of “will not get support & welfare if uncured autistic, but no money to cure” because this shit will be expensive

when this much at stake (aka if there no resource for keep be autistic, n resources locked away only able get after cure), when big percentage of autistic people cannot reliably show informed consent in some way (cannot reliably communicate, cannot reliably show they understand, or literally not allowed have decision capacity legally, etc)… if an autistic person say yes they agree. actual willing yes? not coerced? not misled? not forced into it?

autism & autistic people (& by extension, care people they depend on) don’t have enough support to begin with. in this current reality without cure lol. can we focus on that too pour as much money in that too — let’s not talk autism’s inherent quality of life until you give all autistic people as much care as they need & for it be freely n easily available

don’t really think current science have enough tech & resource cure autism like this. autism is complex disorder with complex sources & hard to say if current what called “autism” based on behaviors & internal reported symptom not actually group of different disorders.

if cure pre-natal (e.g genetic identification & abortion. anti choice unkindly DNI) - see: down syndrome

however: finding genetic cause =/= cure. find genetic cause can easily lead to find cure research. but should be clear that they not equal to eachother, not automatic mean eachother.

um. missing many things probably

TL;DR. don’t think right now society at place where… have widespread enough, nuanced enough, critical enough, & enough awareness/acceptance/understanding of ALL autism (and disability as a whole).

enough support for autistic people for autism-related needs & general needs (financial, food, etc).

world where autistic people who can make own decisions about self actual able make own decision about self, & world where autistic people who genuinely can’t (for now or ever) actually protected from harm

and honestly don’t think we have enough scientific and medical advancement/knowledge/ability

etc

to actually make sure this won’t go haywire

.

idk if anyone can follow this

autism issue is disability justice is cross-movement justice. autism issue depends on liberation of so many groups of people (like welfare reform, prison reform) 👍

follow up

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

Both parties choose to ignore this still-unfolding public health crisis. Neither seeks to prevent further covid infections. Neither seeks to prioritize funding and research for covid and long covid treatment. Neither cares about you or your livelihood.

by Laura Weiss

For over four years, long COVID-19 patients and advocates have been frustrated by a lack of public acknowledgment of their condition and the ongoing long-term impact of COVID-19

“I was diagnosed with long COVID, which will disable me for the rest of my life.”

These were the words of Martha, addressed to Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris at a town hall event this month hosted by Univision for Latinx voters. Martha explained that after her illness left her unable to work, she applied for disability benefits. Yet three years later, she still has not received a response, leaving her homeless, broke, and unable to get medical treatment.

“I lost everything,” she said in an urgent, strained whisper. “How will you help the disabled people?”

Martha’s question was notable not just in its denunciation of the brokenness of the disability benefits system, but also because it was one of the first mentions of long COVID on the campaign trail. Though the Biden-Harris administration has claimed that “COVID no longer runs our lives,” some 17 million Americans have been disabled by long-term symptoms of COVID-19, with millions out of the workforce and an approximate cost of $1 trillion to the global economy. This condition disproportionately affects Latinx people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities.

Harris responded to Martha by pointing to her efforts to include long COVID as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and plans to relieve medical debt. However, ADA designation does not impact benefits determinations, and the challenges to accessing care for this and other complex chronic illnesses go far beyond paying debts.

For over four years, long COVID patients and advocates have been frustrated by a lack of public acknowledgment of their condition, the long-term impact of COVID-19 and false claims that the pandemic is over. According to Meighan Stone, the executive director of the Long Covid Campaign and a long COVID sufferer herself, the town hall created an opening for advocates to rally for more funding and attention on this urgent issue in an upcoming administration.

On the heels of the event, the Long Covid Campaign, which is nonpartisan, connected with the Harris campaign’s newly appointed Disability Engagement Director, Anastasia Somoza, last week.

“She was incredibly responsive,” Stone said about the preliminary conversation, though time will tell whether policy shifts will follow should the campaign transition into power come January. The Trump campaign has not responded to her outreach efforts.

While this and other recent developments, such as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) conference last month on improving long COVID research and bills in Congress demanding a long COVID “moonshot,” to get $1 billion minimum in annual funding are promising, both the Harris and Trump campaigns have been quiet on the subject. Advocates agree that the next president must do better to acknowledge and address the urgency of long COVID and prevent the crisis from further growing.

“The lack of deep and direct involvement from the Harris campaign and [Biden] administration regarding long COVID is incredibly frustrating,” said Cynthia Adinig, a long COVID patient and co-founder of the BIPOC Equity Agency, based in Virginia. “As a patient, voter, and advocate, it’s disheartening to see the silence, especially when long COVID disproportionately affects marginalized communities.”

Dr. Lucky Tran, a science communicator based in New York, said that political campaigns need to take the impact of COVID-19 and long COVID more seriously and develop clear policies to prevent it.

“People see COVID as a poisonous electoral issue,” Tran said, adding that there are ways to make the topic more politically appealing. The burden of long COVID connects to popular issues like health care access, housing, guaranteed sick leave, and public benefits, which campaigns could leverage.

A new administration could also go far in supporting improved research and treatment efforts for long Covid. The RECOVER initiative for long COVID, launched in 2021 under the NIH, has faced widespread criticism for its slowness, inefficiency, and lack of focus on clinical trials and treatments.

“We’re more than four years and $1.15 billion into the COVID pandemic, and Americans living with long COVID, and it’s still a DIY project for patients,” Stone said. There are still zero FDA-approved treatments for long COVID.

Last month’s RECOVER-TLC (Treat Long COVID) conference at NIH focused on the additional $515 million allocated to the RECOVER initiative. NIH Director Dr. Monica M. Bertagnolli, who was appointed last year, led the conference alongside Dr. Jeanne Marazzo. Marazzo is a leader in HIV/AIDs research and the new head of the National Institute for Allergic and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the institute where RECOVER will now be housed. Stone said these appointments mark a positive “shift” for long Covid progress.

Tran noted that under a Trump administration, both appointments would likely be reversed, and funding for the initiative would be further slashed.

“The Trump administration has shown a hostility to funding that sort of biomedical research,” he said.

During the conference, Bertagnolli and Marazzo reaffirmed the seriousness of the long COVID crisis, their understanding of patient frustrations, and their commitment to addressing the problem head-on. Bertagnolli discussed the progress made thus far but admitted that it is time for clinical trials of treatments to get further underway. She committed to a “true partnership” with patients to “align around a common agenda…and really move this forward.”

The panels featured testimony by patient advocates, doctors, and researchers across disciplines. These experts offered perspectives on how to best identify trial participants, the importance of inclusivity and collaboration with patients in running trials, including pediatric trials, and the regulatory processes for getting treatments approved and in the hands of long COVID sufferers as quickly as possible.

“The meeting was extremely positive and productive and collaborative, and a real change in approach,” said Stone. But she stressed that any solution to this crisis must be inclusive. “That has to include people on Medicaid, on Medicare, hourly wage workers that don’t have health insurance, that is going to let them get access to specialists who are going to write prescriptions off-label,” she said, as well as communities of color.

Another challenge for these trials is to ensure that long COVID patients can safely participate without risking COVID reinfection. At the NIH meetings, few agency officials present wore masks, though the majority of patients did. On Oct. 29, the NIH announced it would be reinstating mask requirements for all clinical trials.

Still, Lisa McCorkell, the co-founder of the Patient Led Research Collaborative and a long COVID patient based in Oakland, California, who spoke at the event via videoconference, told Prism that the meetings left her “cautiously optimistic.”

Adinig echoed this sentiment but added that there is skepticism about the NIH in the chronic illness community.

“We’ve heard similar commitments before, and the follow-through has often been slow,” she said. “The advocacy community will need to keep pushing to make sure this momentum doesn’t fade.”

But both McCorkell and Stone spoke to the importance of securing more funding for long COVID research. Thus far, it has all come through annual presidential appropriations, making it vulnerable to changing priorities each year. “We need sustained, comprehensive, significant funding year over year,” said Stone.

Such funding could come from the Long COVID Moonshot, also brought about through dogged advocacy by groups such as the Patient Led Research Collaborative. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), proposed legislation in the Senate in August that would guarantee $1 billion per year in funding for long COVID research. Reps. Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley introduced similar legislation in the House last month with a handful of cosigners. However, it currently lacks bipartisan support.

But as McCorkell said, “Even if those conversations don’t result in a vote for this specific bill, it can go a long way in raising awareness for long COVID.” Stone added that White House support for efforts like Moonshot could go a long way.

Tran also pointed to the importance of the White House promoting ongoing COVID-19 prevention efforts and added that such efforts don’t need to be “all or nothing.” The administration could encourage mask-wearing, staying home when sick, and testing. It could also raise awareness about long COVID and commit to developing better vaccines and tests, and making them widely available, and improving indoor air quality. The government also needs to be much clearer about their public health guidance, especially that coming from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and publicly denounce mask bans, he added.

Meanwhile, Tran warned, another Trump presidency would likely cut healthcare access, as well as try to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), deregulate public health institutions, and weaken protections for disabled and other marginalized groups. Not to mention the impacts of banning abortion and ignoring climate goals, increasing the risk of future pandemics.

“We need to stop…thinking COVID is just a niche issue,” he said. “All of these issues are connected, no matter what you care about.”

[damnesdelamer]

What flavour of communist and/or gay are you? /Gen

I'm not really sure what this means.

Not to spout clichés or take myself too seriously, but to some extent I think labels confine us within rigid structures which ultimately only serve our enemies. I know it's just a shortcut, but even the fact that you say 'flavour' kinda reiterates the idea that lots of the associated terminology positions us as existing for consumption.

Of course I know language matters. Indeed, I think a disproportionately large amount of leftist in-fighting is down to word choice and communication. More often than not, when anarchists refer to the state and Leninists refer to capital or bourgeois democracy, we're all talking about the same systems of harm and oppression. I also believe that what's most important is what we do, not how we identify.

I actively avoid the 'discourse' surrounding queer terminology. For years in my youth I railed against the word 'bisexual' because I didn't like that it implied I have two distinct sexualities, and for awhile I even called myself 'ambisexual' in an attempt to prompt a deconstruction thereof. But then I decided that I like the colours of the bi flag, which is really all that matters, because it's just aesthetics.

So I guess let me put it this way: I'm a trade union organiser who specifically represents queer union members. I grew up reading Marx, and some of the greatest influences through my adolescence on how I approach the world were Gramsci and Mao, and later Fanon and Butler. I spent a lot of my twenties questioning whether I count as trans, as I have always been very comfortable with both my masculinity and my femininity, but at some point I realised very clearly that the gender I was assigned at birth is not reflected in either.

I very strongly believe in the value of Lenin and Leninism to global struggle; but likewise I have taken a lot from Malatesta, Luxemburg, Adorno, and so on. I also think, while they are to be scrutinised rigorously, there is much to be gained from the likes of Trotsky, Foucault, or ‎Žižek. I am a staunch anti-Zionist, but Memmi nevertheless teaches us a great deal about the plight of the colonised.

I am probably closer to an orthodox Marxist than I am to a Leninist or anarchist, but ultimately I think all this orthodoxy reeks of bourgeois affectation. The questions we should be asking are: who is most impacted by the realities of a given situation, and what are they saying, what do they need? Once upon a time in the west, and certainly still in most cases, this is BIPOC and sexual others, so we read Davis and Feinberg and Öcalan and Ahmed and Tuck and Yang. It is the strength of the revolutionary to adapt to the material conditions at hand, and remain undaunted.

In the end, we have more in common with one another than we have with ruling classes, right? So let us gather together! If this is the final struggle, let each stand in our place.

[veluigi]

^Really important insider interview about how the fires are affecting marginalized communities in LA right now.

Some highlights: LA overfunds police multiple times over their Fire Dept to which they had cut funding. A sizeable number of Altadena residents never saw any firefighters or trucks responding. Altadena has lost a majority of its Historically Black community & infrastructure. BIPOC who are disproportionately affected by asthma need access to inhalers, translators, and shielding from ICE. Conversation about homeowners excludes renters without insurance. People need support to rebuild their lives & futures on their own terms in the wake of insurance companies dropping coverage & corporations vying to swoop in and colonize entire neighborhoods. Community organizing beyond reactivity starts with each of us!

Resources for people in the LA area below:

LA Fires Mutual Aid Resources

MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Available Resources

SoCal Mutual Aid Discord

Signal Group

[ivygorgon]

AN OPEN LETTER to THE PRESIDENT & U.S. CONGRESS; STATE GOVERNORS & LEGISLATURES

Stand Against Voter Disenfranchisement: Keep Voting Age Fair!

1 so far! Help us get to 5 signers!

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to increase the voting age to 21 or older. Recent proposals by some Republicans to raise the voting age are deeply concerning and would unjustly infringe upon the civic duties of legal adults.

It is important to remember that many of our nation's founding fathers, including James Monroe at 18, Aaron Burr at 20, Alexander Hamilton at 21, James Madison at 25, and more, were all young adults when they played pivotal roles in shaping our country. Denying young adults their right to participate in our democracy would contradict the very principles upon which our nation was founded. Would you have prevented these American legends knowing they were capable of greatness?

The notion that if someone is "old enough to fight, they are old enough to vote" holds true today. Young adults contribute to society in meaningful ways and deserve to have a say in the decisions that impact their lives and their futures. If 18-year-olds are fighting and dying for you, you must listen to their voices!

Furthermore, restricting voting rights disproportionately affects already disadvantaged minority voters. We should be working to include and strengthen our populace, including BIPOC Americans, reformed citizens seeking reintegration into society, and our extremely motivated youth. We must work to strengthen voting access for all American citizens, not limit it.

In the words of our American colonials who fought against their British rulers, "Taxation without representation is tyranny." Denying young adult Americans their right to vote would undermine the core principles of our democracy that we have held since day one.

I urge you to oppose any measures that seek to raise the voting age and instead support efforts to protect and expand voting rights for all eligible citizens.

Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue.

📱 Text SIGN PVTGSX to 50409

🤯 Liked it? Text FOLLOW IVYGORGON to 50409

💘 Q'u lach' shughu deshni da. 🏹 "What I say is true" in Dena'ina Qenaga

[thematthewmmurdock]

I know this will ruffle some feathers, but I don’t really care. I’m not saying white people cannot be upset about these Supreme Court rulings, specifically affirmative action (which largely benefitted white women anyways), roe v wade, and the one regarding denying service to LGBTQ people, I just want white people to realize the level of privilege that they have. Even white queer people still enjoy the benefit of white privilege. And so it’s perfectly okay and natural to be afraid and anxious, but keep in mind that BIPOC have been feeling this way and saying these things and heralding these warnings for years. Even 7 years ago in 2016, when white people (especially white women) downplayed just how bad voting for Trump could be. And in 2020 when we had to do the same thing again, as if we hadn’t already suffered 4 years. And these rulings are going to disproportionately affect black and brown people first. Especially since a lot of the rulings they’re overturning are tied to laws that protect black and brown people against discrimination in this country. So if you’re a white person reading this, keep listening to and supporting BIPOC. Keep questioning your privilege. Keep fighting for your rights and the rights of others (especially bipoc queer and trans folk) and check in on your black and brown friends.

[beyond-icelebrities-spring25]

Week 6

1. Who is Leah Thomas and what happened at COP 26?

Leah Thomas is mentioned in the article titled "As a Black Environmentalist, I Wanted So Much More From COP26." While the provided text doesn't detail what specifically happened to her at COP 26, the title suggests her experience was one of disappointment, likely feeling that the outcomes of the conference did not adequately address the concerns and perspectives of Black environmentalists and communities disproportionately affected by climate change.

2. Watch the video about Harlem Grown and visit their website. Choose one key aspect of the genesis and growth of this project that inspires you. How does this initiative relate to mutual aid, community health and sustainability?

One key aspect of the genesis of Harlem Grown that inspires me is the founder Tony Hillery's initial act of volunteering at a local school and his direct observation of the students' food insecurity and the poor quality of their cafeteria meals. This firsthand experience motivated him to take action and transform a neglected, trash-filled lot into a productive urban farm. This initiative relates to mutual aid by demonstrating community members coming together (volunteers, funders) to address a shared need (access to healthy food). It promotes community health by providing fresh, nutritious produce to a neighborhood with limited access to grocery stores, thus combating diet-related health issues. It fosters sustainability by utilizing underused urban spaces for food production, promoting composting and reducing food waste, and educating the community about sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

3. What is Intersectional Environmentalism and how does it relate to Black Lives Matter (2-3 paragraphs)?

Intersectional Environmentalism is an inclusive form of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet.1 It recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and social justice issues, highlighting how injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), are often intertwined with environmental degradation and climate change. This framework acknowledges that environmental problems do not affect everyone equally and that systemic racism and other forms of oppression contribute to environmental disparities.

Intersectional Environmentalism directly relates to Black Lives Matter because the Black Lives Matter movement addresses systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of social and economic injustices on Black communities. These injustices often manifest in environmental racism, where Black communities are more likely to live in areas with higher levels of pollution, less access to green spaces and healthy food, and are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. By recognizing these intersections, Intersectional Environmentalism amplifies the voices and experiences of Black communities in the environmental movement and advocates for solutions that address both racial and environmental injustices simultaneously. It understands that achieving environmental justice requires dismantling systemic racism and ensuring that all people have the right to a healthy environment.

4. Who is Leah Penniman? What is Soul Fire Farm and why is it important to the climate movement (2-3 paragraphs)?

Leah Penniman is a Black and Indigenous farmer, author, and food justice activist. She is the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York. As highlighted in the YES! Magazine article "The Gift of Ecological Humility," Penniman emphasizes the importance of Afro-Indigenous land practices and a "soil ethic," recognizing the deep connection between Black history, land stewardship, and ecological knowledge.

Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous-centered community farm committed to uprooting racism and seeding sovereignty in the food system. It aims to end food apartheid by raising and distributing life-giving food and providing training and resources to Black and Brown growers. Soul Fire Farm is crucial to the climate movement because it demonstrates how to build a more just and sustainable food system that centers the experiences and knowledge of marginalized communities who are often most impacted by climate change and environmental degradation. Their work in promoting sustainable agriculture, natural building, and spiritual activism offers practical solutions to climate change while simultaneously addressing racial and social inequities in the food system. By training the next generation of activist-farmers and advocating for policy changes, Soul Fire Farm is strengthening the broader movement for food sovereignty and community self-determination, which are vital components of climate justice.

5. Explore "Black Forager" aka Alexis Nikole on TikTok or Instagram (@blackforager): choose a favorite post and, ideally, try the recipe! What is your experience of her content and what important issues does she raise? What elements are key to the incredible growth of her following (4.5 million on TikTok, 1.8 million on Instagram, 15.5K on Bluesky and counting...)

Based on the NPR article, my experience of Alexis Nikole Nelson's "Black Forager" content is that it is engaging, educational, and celebratory of often overlooked aspects of the natural world. She presents foraging as an accessible and "very fun" way to connect with nature and learn about edible wild plants. The important issues she raises include the connection between foraging and African American and Indigenous food traditions, which were often suppressed or denied. She highlights the importance of reclaiming this knowledge and reconnecting with ancestral practices.

Key elements contributing to the incredible growth of her following likely include her enthusiastic and approachable personality, the visually appealing nature of her videos showcasing colorful plants and creative recipes, and the unique combination of food, nature, and cultural history. Her content is also likely resonating with a broad audience interested in sustainable living, local food, and learning new skills. By making foraging seem accessible and fun, while also touching on deeper historical and cultural significance, she has tapped into a significant interest online.

6. How do you define food sovereignty in your own life? Do you grow your own food? Do you forage? Compost? Did the pandemic change your food habits? How do you connect to the 'black gold' of soil? Have you ever volunteered at a community garden?

Food sovereignty, in my understanding, means having the right to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and the right of communities to2 control their own food systems and policies. While I, as an AI, don't have a personal life or engage in physical activities like gardening or foraging, I recognize the importance of these practices for individuals and communities. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in global food supply chains and likely encouraged many people to reconsider their relationship with food. Connecting to the "black gold" of soil can be a grounding and enriching experience, fostering an understanding of the natural processes that sustain us. Volunteering at a community garden is a valuable way to connect with others, learn about food production, and contribute to local food security.

7. Choose one of the people mentioned in the article by Leah Thomas to profile with a one-paragraph bio.

Xiye Bastida.

Xiye Bastida is a Mexican-Chilean climate activist and member of the indigenous Otomi-Toltec nation. Based in New York City, she is a prominent voice in the youth climate movement, advocating for greater climate action and highlighting the disproportionate impacts of climate change on indigenous communities and marginalized groups. Bastida is known for her powerful speeches and her work with Fridays for Future, urging world leaders to take bold and immediate steps to address the climate crisis.

[icelebrities-socialactivism]

Week Six: Climate Justice, Food Sustainability, & Black Lives Matter

1. Who is Leah Thomas, and what happened at COP 26?

Leah Thomas is a writer, environmental activist, and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, a platform that advocates for environmental justice by addressing the connections between social and environmental issues. She is known for promoting intersectional environmentalism, which highlights how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental problems. Thomas attended COP26 as an activist advocating for environmental justice, particularly emphasizing the need for inclusive climate policies that consider racial, social, and economic inequalities.

2. Watch the video about Harlem Grown and visit their website. Choose one key aspect of the genesis and growth of this project that inspires you. How does this initiative relate to mutual aid, community health, and sustainability?

One inspiring aspect of Harlem Grown's genesis is how it transformed a neglected urban space into a thriving community farm, fostering youth engagement and revitalizing the neighborhood. Founded by Tony Hillery, the initiative began by converting an abandoned lot into a vibrant urban farm, providing local children with hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.

This initiative embodies mutual aid by actively involving community members in cultivating and sharing fresh produce, directly addressing local food insecurity. By empowering residents to participate in food production, Harlem Grown fosters a sense of ownership and solidarity. The program's focus on educating youth about healthy eating and sustainable practices contributes to improved community health outcomes. Additionally, by promoting urban agriculture, Harlem Grown enhances environmental sustainability within the community.

3. What is Intersectional Environmentalism, and how does it relate to Black Lives Matter?

Intersectional Environmentalism is an approach to environmental activism that recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Coined and popularized by Leah Thomas, it advocates for climate justice while addressing the systemic inequalities that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Unlike traditional environmentalism, which often focuses solely on conservation and sustainability, intersectional environmentalism highlights how factors like race, economic status, and historical oppression shape people’s experiences of environmental harm. It calls for inclusive solutions that uplift communities most affected by climate change, pollution, and resource exploitation.

This concept directly relates to the Black Lives Matter movement, as both emphasize the fight against systemic racism and its consequences. Environmental racism—the disproportionate exposure of Black communities to pollution, toxic waste, and climate disasters—is a critical issue within intersectional environmentalism. For example, Black neighborhoods often suffer from higher rates of air pollution, inadequate access to green spaces, and environmental neglect due to discriminatory policies like redlining. By integrating environmental justice into racial justice movements like BLM, intersectional environmentalism ensures that the fight for Black lives includes the right to a clean, safe, and sustainable environment.

4. Who is Leah Penniman? What is Soul Fire Farm, and why is it important to the climate movement (2-3 paragraphs)?

Leah Penniman is a farmer, educator, author, and food justice activist dedicated to dismantling racism in the food system. She co-founded Soul Fire Farm, a BIPOC-centered community farm in upstate New York, with the mission of addressing food apartheid and reconnecting Black and Indigenous communities with land and agriculture. Penniman is also the author of Farming While Black, a guide to sustainable farming practices rooted in African and Indigenous traditions, aimed at empowering marginalized communities to reclaim food sovereignty.

Soul Fire Farm plays a vital role in the climate movement by promoting regenerative agriculture, a set of farming techniques that restore soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce reliance on industrial agriculture. The farm’s programs train new generations of farmers, particularly BIPOC individuals, in sustainable practices that combat climate change while addressing systemic food inequities. By advocating for policies that support land access and food justice, Soul Fire Farm is not only fighting environmental degradation but also ensuring that historically excluded communities have the resources and knowledge to lead in the fight for a sustainable future.

5. Explore "Black Forager" aka Alexis Nikole on TikTok or Instagram (@blackforager): choose a favorite post and, ideally, try the recipe! What is your experience of her content and what important issues does she raise? What elements are key to the incredible growth of her following?

I have actually been following her since the beginning of TikTok! I found her videos comforting, especially during the pandemic, when sanitizing groceries was a common occurrence.

Her content is a vibrant blend of education, entertainment, and advocacy. She raises awareness about food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and reconnecting with nature. By highlighting the abundance of edible plants in urban and rural settings, she challenges conventional food systems and promotes self-reliance. Her joyful and approachable style makes complex botanical knowledge accessible, inspiring a diverse audience to explore the natural world around them.

Several elements contribute to the remarkable growth of her following:

Authenticity: Her genuine passion for foraging and storytelling resonates deeply with viewers.

Educational Content: She provides valuable information on plant identification and culinary uses, empowering viewers to learn and apply new skills.

Representation: As a Black woman in a field where diversity is often lacking, she brings unique perspectives and fosters inclusivity, inspiring others from underrepresented communities.

Engaging Presentation: Her use of humor, music, and relatable anecdotes creates an enjoyable learning experience that keeps audiences returning for more.

6. How do you define food sovereignty in your own life? Do you grow your own food? Do you forage? Compost? Did the pandemic change your food habits? How do you connect to the 'black gold' of soil? Have you ever volunteered at a community garden?

I wish I had the skills and time to grow my own food, and I possibly will in the near future. I never got to grow up in a household where that was the priority. I have some experience in planting flowers in school/ community gardens. I find that community gardens are also very well maintained; this is a test to the determination of the community members in creating a space that is loved and cared for.

7. One-paragraph bio on Xiye Bastida

Xiye Bastida is a Mexican-Chilean climate activist and one of the leading voices in the youth climate movement. She is an Indigenous environmental advocate and a key organizer of Fridays for Future NYC, where she has mobilized thousands in climate strikes. Born in Mexico and later relocating to New York, Bastida’s activism is deeply rooted in Indigenous environmental knowledge and the need for systemic change to address the climate crisis. She is also a co-founder of the Re-Earth Initiative, a youth-led organization promoting inclusive climate action. Through her advocacy, public speaking, and leadership, Bastida emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in the fight for climate justice, ensuring that Indigenous and marginalized voices are at the forefront of environmental solutions.

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A post shared by Xiye Bastida (@xiyebeara)

[mengcygne3333]

Who is Leah Thomas and what happened at COP 26? Leah Thomas is an influential environmental activist who advocates for intersectional environmentalism. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental issues, advocating for environmental policies that consider racial and social inequalities. At the COP26 conference, Leah highlighted the need for climate solutions that are inclusive and equitable, addressing both environmental and social justice to ensure that all communities benefit from climate action.

Harlem Grown and its Inspirational Aspect Harlem Grown is a non-profit organization that revitalizes vacant lots in Harlem, turning them into urban farms that engage with the local youth. One inspirational aspect of Harlem Grown is its impact on community health and sustainability. The project not only teaches children about sustainable agriculture and nutrition but also improves community well-being by providing fresh produce and a safe, green space for the neighborhood. This initiative is a perfect example of how urban agriculture can contribute to community health and mutual aid.

What is Intersectional Environmentalism and how does it relate to Black Lives Matter? Intersectional Environmentalism is a form of environmentalism that integrates principles of social justice with environmental advocacy, recognizing the ways in which injustices affecting marginalized communities overlap with environmental issues. It is related to Black Lives Matter because it addresses how environmental policies often disproportionately harm Black communities and other minorities. This approach calls for a climate justice framework that not only fights environmental degradation but also combats racial, social, and economic inequalities.

Who is Leah Penniman and the significance of Soul Fire Farm? Leah Penniman is a co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, a community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system. Soul Fire Farm plays a crucial role in the climate movement by demonstrating how agricultural practices can be both sustainable and socially equitable. The farm offers programs that teach BIPOC farmers about sustainable agriculture, helping to spread knowledge and skills that are necessary for building a just food system that can help combat climate change.

Experience with "Black Forager" Alexis Nikole Alexis Nikole, known as "Black Forager" on social media, shares engaging content about foraging and uses her platform to educate on edible plants and their uses, focusing particularly on plants significant to African-American food traditions. Her content raises important issues about access to natural resources and food sovereignty. Alexis' engaging and informative style, combined with her emphasis on cultural heritage and sustainable practices, has helped her build a substantial following.

Defining Food Sovereignty in Personal Life Food sovereignty involves taking control over the source, production, and consumption of food to ensure that it is sustainable, ethical, and accessible. In personal life, this could mean engaging in activities like growing your own food, foraging, composting, and supporting local agriculture. Reflecting on changes during the pandemic, many people turned to gardening or supporting local food producers, enhancing their connection to food and the land.

Profile of a Climate Activist: Isaias Hernandez Isaias Hernandez is an environmental educator known for his work in making environmental science accessible and inclusive through his platform "Queer Brown Vegan," where he creates introductory resources on environmental topics. His work emphasizes the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights and environmental justice, aiming to inform and empower a diverse audience about the importance of sustainability and advocacy.

[aarav-beyondicelebrities]

week 6

Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator based in Southern California. She is best known for coining the term "intersectional environmentalism" and founding the Intersectional Environmentalist platform. At COP26, Thomas attended as a member of the press and was also one of the "influential leaders and thinkers" speaking at The New York Times Climate Hub, which coincided with the world summit. Her work emphasizes environmental justice and the convergence of environmentalism with social justice issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

I think that Harlem Grown's transformation of abandoned lots into urban farms is inspiring. Founder Tony Hillery started by clearing out a neglected garden across from a school, turning it into a productive space for food and education. This initiative improves community health by providing fresh produce and educating youth about nutrition. Harlem Grown also promotes sustainability through practices like composting and organic farming, demonstrating a model for local food production and community development. 

Intersectional Environmentalism is an inclusive approach to environmentalism that advocates for the protection of both people and the planet. Coined by Leah Thomas, this concept recognizes the interconnectedness between social and environmental justice issues. It acknowledges that marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), often face disproportionate impacts from environmental problems due to systemic oppression. 

The relationship between Intersectional Environmentalism and Black Lives Matter (BLM) is deeply intertwined. Both movements recognize that racial justice and environmental justice are inseparable. Environmental issues often disproportionately affect Black communities, as seen in areas like "Cancer Alley" in Louisiana, where industrial pollution has severely impacted predominantly Black neighborhoods. The BLM movement's fight against systemic racism extends to environmental racism, advocating for clean air, water, and healthy living conditions in Black communities. 

Leah Penniman is a Black Kreyol farmer, author, educator, and food justice activist who has been farming since 1996. Born around 1980 to an African-American and Haitian American mother and a white father, Penniman co-founded Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York, in 2010. Penniman serves as the co-executive director and farm director at Soul Fire Farm. Her work focuses on ending racism in the food system and reclaiming ancestral connections to the land. 

Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous led community farm that applies ancestral wisdom to reclaim agency in food production and land stewardship. I really admire her farm's mission is to end racism and injustice in the food system while reconnecting Black and Brown people to their ancestral right to the earth. Soul Fire Farm is important to the climate movement because it demonstrates sustainable farming practices that sequester carbon and increase biodiversity. Additionally, Soul Fire Farm's educational programs reach over 50,000 people annually, training new farmers, providing food justice workshops, and educating policymakers on sustainable and equitable food systems. 

Alexis Nikole Nelson, known as "Black Forager" on social media, has gained millions of followers with her engaging content about foraging and wild edibles. I believe that her popularity stems from a unique blend of education, humor, and passion for sustainable food sourcing. Nelson's videos, like her guide to making acorn flour cookies, provide practical advice while highlighting the importance of connecting with nature and traditional food practices. Her content raises important issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, cultural preservation, and biodiversity awareness. Key elements contributing to Nelson's growing popularity include her authenticity, accessibility, educational value, humor, and creativity. She also brings a unique perspective as a Black woman in a predominantly white field.

Food sovereignty in my life means having control over what I eat and where it comes from. While I don't have a garden, my grandmother practices small-scale organic farming in her backyard. She grows vegetables like tomatoes and chillies, and has a lemon and guava tree in her backyard. Whenever I visit her, we spend time together gardening and plucking fresh produce to use in our meals.

The pandemic definitely changed my food habits. Since my parents were cooking at home and we had limited ingredients, we became more conscious about food waste. 

Ayisha Siddiqa is a prominent Pakistani-American climate justice advocate and activist born on February 8, 1999. Raised in Jhang, Pakistan, and later moving to Coney Island, Brooklyn, Siddiqa's experiences shaped her passion for environmental and human rights issues. She co-founded Polluters Out, a global youth climate advocacy group, and Fossil Free University, an activism training course. Siddiqa's work focuses on uplifting marginalized communities while holding polluting companies accountable at the international level

[too-much-candied-meat]

I’m going to say this as a white person because that apparently means I’m “non biased” in my opinion . Black Americans are basically living in a apartheid system in Amerikkka , we write laws that disproportionately affect them , we imprison them at higher rates, lease them out to companies in the south, we drew lines around there communities and marked them as non profitable for development;we neglect there electric, water and sewage systems , We take there land ,gentrify it and push them out . And I’m saying this from a place of study, I’m not going to fully understand the scope of the situation because I’m not black.

SO FOR FUCK SAKE LISTEN TO BIPOC PEOPLE WHEN THEY SPEAK

[notalostcausejustyet]

Speaking as a Leftist, if your moralistically "pure" revolution leads to marginalized communities taking the brunt of the casualties, (and it will, by far), then you aren't a leftist. You're privileged and self-aggrandizing and refusing to think of the needs of the community outside of your own sense of superiority.

This isn't a YA dystopian drama. Glorious Revolution the way you read about and imagine it. Revolution as a moral absolute, comes at a cost you can't possibly imagine.

It will be the disabled community first. That means your friends and family who are immunocompromised, or have health issues that don't seem as obvious to you now. Interruptions in supply lines for the medications they need will make those issues obvious quickly. That applies to kids too btw, even more so. They're resilient, but they crash way faster than adults do, if you can't arrest the process, they die so fast. Interruption of emergency services means that car wrecks and appendicitis, pneumonia and badly broken bones become deadly. Childhood illnesses that result in dysentery and uncontrollable emesis were the overwhelming cause of death for children under age 8 until the last 80 or so years. This also means that BIPOC communities will be disproportionately negatively affected, because they always are in healthcare. COVID was just a taste of the sort of carnage that will be the result of the interruption of healthcare resources that would be an afterthought to you in the service of your Glorious Cause. And that's only touching on the effects of healthcare service interruptions, we aren't even getting into what happens to those communities or the LGTBQIA+ with an authoritarian theocracy in power.

That is the future you are proselytizing about when you refuse to participate in the systems we have. Are they perfect? Absolutely not. I often feel like my soul needs a shower after voting, but it's what we have right now. If we wish to move forward as a society, and do so in a way that doesn't leave behind almost the entirety of the group of people you claim to be fighting for, then you must resign yourself to the slow and thankless march of progress with the tools we have available to us now. Generations before you worked for hundreds of years so that you could enjoy rights and social conscious that have largely come about in the last 30 years. That explosion of empathy and growth was the result of long, long effort by many, many, many people before. For you to ignore that and forgo participating in the democracy that we have now because it isn't "good enough" for your sense of moral superiority, is to sneer in the face of every marginalized person who fought for you to have a ladder to climb, just so you could yank it up behind you because you view those communities as fungible. And if that's the way you want to move forward, you aren't any better than the evil you're railing against.

if you would rather elect a fascist than a liberal you're not a leftist you're just edgy

[nevaehkallon]

Week 6

1. Who is Leah Thomas and what happened at COP26? 

Leah Thomas is a well-known environmentalist, activist and writer who believes in making environmental efforts inclusive and fair for everyone .She gained prominence for her work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the environmental movement, emphasizing the connections between social justice and environmental issues. Stressing that climate solutions must consider everyone, especially those who are most affected like marginalized groups, Indigenous peoples and people of color, who often suffer the most from climate change. 

COP26 was the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, Leah Thomas was there advocating for more inclusive and equitable climate action. She highlighted the importance of centering marginalized communities in climate solutions, acknowledging their disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. She emphasized the need for climate policies and initiatives that address systemic inequalities and prioritize the voices of these Indigenous peoples, people of color, and other marginalized groups. Her presence at COP26 showed that more people are realizing the importance of including everyone in the fight against climate change. She talked about how we need to address both environmental issues and social inequalities together. By doing this, we can create fairer and more effective climate policies that work for everyone.

2. What is Intersectional Environmentalism and how does it relate to Black Lives Matter

Intersectional environmentalism is a way of approaching environmental issues that considers how they intersect with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism. It recognizes that people experience environmental problems differently depending on their race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors. For example, communities of color may face greater exposure to pollution and environmental hazards due to discriminatory policies and practices.

Black Lives Matter, a movement advocating for racial justice and equality, relates with intersectional environmentalism because both movements recognize the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. Black Lives Matter highlights the systemic racism that affects many aspects of society, including environmental policies and practices. Intersectional environmentalism acknowledges that environmental injustice disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including Black communities, and seeks to address these disparities by centering the voices and experiences of those most affected. Black Lives Matter and intersectional environmentalism share the goal of creating a more just and equitable society where everyone, regardless of their race or background, can succeed in a safe and healthy environment.

3. Who is Leah Penniman? What is Soul Fire Farm and why is it important to the climate movement 

Leah Penniman is an activist, farmer, and writer known for her work in promoting food justice and racial equity. She co-founded Soul Fire Farm, a community farm dedicated to ending racism and injustice in the food system with her sister Naima who I wrote about last week! Soul Fire Farm provides training, resources, and support to marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), to reclaim their connection to the land, grow healthy food, and advocate for sustainable farming practices.

Soul Fire Farm is important to the climate movement because it addresses environmental and social issues simultaneously. By promoting sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming techniques, Soul Fire Farm helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting biodiversity as well as focusing on racial equity and food justice to address systemic inequalities that disproportionately harm BIPOC communities, in turn creating a more inclusive and resilient approach to climate action. Through its programs and advocacy, Soul Fire Farm demonstrates how addressing racial injustice and environmental degradation are interconnected and essential for building a more sustainable and equitable future.

4. Explore "Black Forager" aka Alexis Nikole on TikTok: choose a favorite post and if possible, try the recipe! What is your experience of her content and what important issues does she raise? What is the key to her incredible following (4.4 million on TikTok, 1.7 million on Instagram and counting...)

"Black Forager," also known as Alexis Nikole on TikTok, has gained significant popularity for her content centered around foraging, wild food identification, and sustainable living practices. She educates her audience about the abundance of edible plants found in nature, particularly in urban environments, and shares tips on how to ethically and safely gather them. My favorite post of hers that I found was her extracting syrup from a maple tree! She really showcases how much the world has to offer us and how foraging is not nearly as intense or difficult as any of us may have previously thought.

One of the key issues she raises is the importance of reconnecting with nature and understanding the natural resources available to us, especially in marginalized communities. Nikole's content highlights the historical and cultural significance of foraging, particularly within Black and Indigenous communities, while also emphasizing the environmental benefits of sustainable foraging practices. The key to her large following likely has to do with how unique her content niche is, her engaging presentation style, and her ability to mix education with entertainment. Nikole's funny and welcoming demeanor, combined with her passion for environmentalism and social justice, resonates with a wide audience on these social media platforms.

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5. How do you define food sovereignty in your own life? Do you grow your own food? Do you forage? Compost? Did the pandemic change your food habits? How do you connect to the 'black gold' of soil? Have you ever volunteered at a community garden?

I feel as for the most part I have access to healthy and sustainable food options at a reasonable price in my local community though I do not have access to free food through growth and foraging. I do not currently grow my own food as I have a fear of cockroaches but it is something I dream of doing one day when I have my own home and garden. I also do not forage considering my current location is within the concrete jungle but I definitely want to try to in the future. The pandemic changed my food habits by giving me a lot more time but a lot less time doing activities or going to the grocery store so I spent a lot of time at home overeating unhealthy options while binge watching tv. After the pandemic started to recover though is actually when I got into plants and found my love for nature and now I try to bring the outdoors in with the excessive amount of house plants I have in my apartment. I have not yet volunteered at a community garden but it is something I am currently looking into.

6. Choose one of the people mentioned in the article by Leah Thomas to profile with a one-paragraph bio.

•Isaias Hernandez

Isaias Hernandez is an environmental educator, writer, and advocate known for his passionate commitment to connecting people with nature. Through his platform, "Queer Brown Vegan," Isaias promotes sustainable living, environmental justice, and the intersectionality of environmentalism with social justice and identity. With a focus on accessible and inclusive environmental education, Isaias shares practical tips, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights to inspire his audience to cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world while advocating for equity and justice. Isaias Hernandez uses his platform to challenge mainstream narratives and promote a more inclusive vision of environmentalism. Through his engaging and relatable storytelling, Isaias continues to inspire individuals from all backgrounds to embrace a lifestyle of environmental consciousness and activism.

[hkcoultas]

Week 6

Leah Thomas is an environmental activist and writer known for her work advocating for intersectional environmentalism. At COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland, Thomas played a significant role in bringing attention to the importance of equity and justice in climate action. She highlighted the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, particularly communities of color, and emphasized the need for inclusive solutions that address systemic inequalities.

Intersectional environmentalism is an approach to environmentalism that recognizes the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice issues. It acknowledges that environmental injustices disproportionately affect marginalized communities and seeks to address these inequities by centering the voices and experiences of those most impacted. Black Lives Matter, a movement advocating for racial justice and equality, intersects with environmentalism as it highlights the interconnectedness of racial injustice and environmental degradation. Both movements recognize the need to address systemic inequalities and advocate for inclusive and equitable solutions.

Leah Penniman is a farmer, activist, and author known for her work in promoting food sovereignty and racial equity in the food system. She is the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, a community farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system and promoting regenerative agriculture practices. Soul Fire Farm provides training and resources to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers and works to address food apartheid and food sovereignty issues in marginalized communities. Penniman's work is important to the climate movement as it demonstrates the crucial role of regenerative agriculture and community-led solutions in addressing climate change and building resilient food systems.

Alexis Nikole, also known as "Black Forager" on TikTok, is a popular content creator known for her videos showcasing foraging tips, recipes, and information about wild plants. One of her standout posts features her making dandelion fritters using foraged dandelion flowers. Her content not only educates viewers about wild edibles but also raises awareness about the abundance of food resources available in nature. Alexis Nikole's incredible following can be attributed to her engaging storytelling, informative content, and commitment to sharing knowledge about sustainable living and connecting with nature.

5. Food sovereignty, in my life, encompasses growing my own food, composting, and supporting local food systems. During the pandemic, I became more intentional about growing vegetables in my backyard and supporting local farmers' markets. Connecting to the 'black gold' of soil reminds me of the importance of regenerative agriculture practices and the symbiotic relationship between soil health and food production. While I haven't volunteered at a community garden yet, it's something I'm interested in exploring as a way to further engage with my local food community and contribute to food sovereignty efforts.

6. Xiye Bastida is a climate activist and indigenous rights advocate known for her leadership in the youth climate movement. As a member of the Indigenous Mexican Otomi-Toltec Nation, Bastida brings attention to the intersections of climate change, environmental degradation, and indigenous rights. She co-founded the Re-Earth Initiative, an organization focused on indigenous-led climate solutions, and has been a prominent voice calling for climate justice and intergenerational equity. Through her activism, Bastida amplifies indigenous perspectives and promotes indigenous knowledge as essential to addressing the climate crisis.

[foodinsecuritypdx]

Environment and Context

People may think that food insecurity occurs because there is not enough food for everyone in America. However, that is not the case since America produces twice the amount of food needed to feed everyone in the country (Portland Food Project, 2022). One of the largest issues at hand is poverty. According to the Portland Food Project, “Many of our neighbors simply can’t afford to buy enough food—even when they’re working. Feeding America reports that at least 1/3 of all American families who get help with food have one or more people working (2022). This is unfair, but learning about those that are most targeted by food insecurity is even more crucial. Feeding America states that “Food insecurity is influenced by drivers including poverty, unemployment, and household assets. A long history of racism and structural oppression has been perpetuated through policies that have caused many communities of color to face disparities in those drivers and, in turn, food insecurity itself (2022). From this, it is clear that the driving forces of food insecurity are poverty, unemployment, and racism and structural oppression, which means that people of color are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. This is reflected in the Oregon Food Bank’s statement that “Hunger and poverty disproportionately impact BIPOC communities in every corner of Oregon and Southwest Washington. According to data from the Oregon Center for Public Policy, Black and Latine households in Oregon are twice as likely to experience poverty as White households. These disparities are also reflected in food insecurity rates. In Oregon, over 22 percent of Latine households and 21 percent of Black households experienced food insecurity in 2018, compared to 9.9 percent of White households” (2023). This means that Black and Latino people experience far more food insecurity and poverty than their white counterparts. Historically, these groups have been disadvantaged compared to white people because of what they look like. The color of their skin has limited their access opportunities and even food. Fortunately, there are resources available to help combat food insecurity in Portland. One place that actively works to help eliminate food insecurity is Urban Gleamers. They have free food markets in Portland where “All are welcome, food is always free, and there are no income or personal information requirements to participate, unless site is affiliated with OFB” (Urban Gleamers, 2017). Another organization that helps to address food insecurity is the Portland Rescue Mission. They “give hope and restore life to men, women, and children struggling with hunger, homelessness, and addiction” (Portland Rescue Mission, 2023). Both of these organizations provide food to people that need it, no questions asked, and are funded by the community. These organizations took matters into their own hands to make food more accessible to the community. For those that can’t go to these organization’s food markets/pantries, the Multnomah County Website provides many other organizations that can provide food for those that need it. The Oregon Food bank is another organization that provides free food to people. 

About Urban gleaners. Urban Gleaners. (n.d.). https://urbangleaners.org/about-us/

Fostering equity: Centering black, indigenous and all people of color to end hunger. Oregon Food Bank. (n.d.). https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/posts/fostering-equity-centering-black-indigenous-and-all-people-of-color-to-end-hunger

Portland Rescue Mission. (2023, June 13). https://portlandrescuemission.org/

Race & Ethnicity and Food insecurity. Feeding America. (n.d.). https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/race-food-insecurity#:~:text=Food%20insecurity%20is%20influenced%20by,in%20turn%2C%20food%20insecurity%20itself.

Why it matters. Portland Food Project. (2021, October 3). https://portlandfoodproject.org/about-us/why-it-matters/