A Few Words from the JHLT
Those of us who call America home are quite literally connected by one common thread- land. In order to do our work to protect land and uphold our values, our culture must be one of inclusivity and we must work to protect all people with whom we share this common thread. Today we raise our voice both in opposition to systemic racism and oppression and in solidarity with the Black community and all People of Color. We recognize that while words of acknowledgment are important, what truly matters are the actions we take moving forward that will substantiate these words and create change.
This week our feed and our emails have been intentionally silent in order to provide space for the messages from people and institutions of color that are important to this movement, messages that at their core reflect the values that this organization strives to uphold – commitment, integrity, collaboration, partnerships, community, sustainability, and RESPECT. Our regular Thursday programming will be canceled today and in its place, as our first course of action in listening and learning, we will be sharing a list of resources that amplify diverse voices in conservation from people who have done incredible work to defend our future. It is now our turn to help defend theirs.
Resources to Amplify Diverse Voices in Conversation:
Videos:
Planet Walker: Walk the Earth: My 17-year Vow of Silence
Diverse Voices to Celebrate and Follow:
Robert G. (Bob) Stanton, Director of the National Park Service (1997 – 2001)
Francisco “Paco” Ollervides, Executive Director, Green Leadership Trust
Social Media Accounts:
Organizations:
Reclaiming Native Truth Project
Books:
Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans in the Great Outdoors
Planet Walker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence
There’s Something in the Water
Confronting Environmental Racism: Voices from the Grassroots
Clean and White: A History of Environmental Racism in the United States
Books for Children (compiled by Brittany Smith, an inclusive pre-kindergarten teacher):