Around the time of the first Earth Day in 1970, many environmentalists assumed that minority peoples living in impoverished urban areas had become victims of hazardous wastes because they had no environmental leadership capacity developed among them.
Now most of us humbly recognize that among the many people of color are charismatic leaders who are essential to the care for creation because they so deeply express the need to integrate social justice and environmental quality issues. They are dedicating to ensuring the survival, health the economic well-being of their families and communities as well as that of future generations.
Their sensibilities can guide us into a more inclusive process of community-based restoration practice that is no longer a zero sum game in which nature may win but the poor lose once again.
Brother Coyote, OEF
