“Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry” edited by Camille T. Dungy
An Ode to the Beauty of African American Literature and Our Natural World
“Black Nature” is a poetry anthology that left me breathless with its beauty, wisdom, and power. As an African-American woman who loves nature, I found myself deeply moved by these poems that celebrate both our complex relationship with the natural world and our unique experiences as Black people.From Phillis Wheatley’s eighteenth-century ode to the “Genius of America,” to contemporary poets like Vievee Francis and Major Jackson exploring the complexities of race and identity amidst landscapes both urban and rural – this collection offers a masterclass in literature that is at once political, personal, tender, fierce, hauntingly beautiful.The key takeaway from this book is how intimately connected we are to nature – even when society reinforces ideas that suggest otherwise. It reminds us just how much love for life thrives within us all – especially in those whose stories too often go unheard.
“A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and Its Assault on the American Mind” by Harriet A. Washington
The Unsettling Truth About Environmental Racism We Need To Confront.
“A Terrible Thing To Waste” delivers an unsettling message about environmental racism in America; it explores how factors such as pollution have been targeted towards communities of color intentionally for decades now or more!Harriet A. Washington exposes corporate greed-driven actions taken against low-income black neighborhoods or indigenous peoples’ lands resulting in populations being subjected to toxic waste sites released into their air or water supply ultimately leading them vulnerable health issues including respiratory diseases like asthma cancer among othersWashington’s research highlights one crucial point- those most affected are not necessarily those causing harm! The invisible hands behind environmental racism must be held accountable if ever lasting change will occur.In conclusion, “A Terrible Thing To Waste” becomes essential reading today since it uncovers an underlying issue plaguing marginalized groups across America concerning access & quality control over clean environments for future generations while leaving you feeling inspired enough not only sound off but act upon what you’ve learned.
“The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, And The Remaking Of The Civilized World” By Jeff Goodell
Are We Prepared For What’s Coming? Find Out With This Thought-Provoking Read.
“The Water Will Come” raises questions about whether we as humans can adapt quickly enough before sea-levels rise too high? That may happen sooner than later!Goodell takes readers on a journey around coastal cities worldwide facing increasing flood problems caused by melting ice caps due primarily caused through climate change. He examines various cases where individuals are trying desperately either stay ahead-or even worse unprepared altogether-to confront rising tides creeping further inland each day they choose not prepare effectively enough measures save themselves (and their cities).One takeaway from this book is clear – no matter who you are – living near coasts has become riskier than ever before! However ultimately remediative efforts undertaken today could prevent large swathes sinking beneath waves permanently hence saving countless lives along way tooOverall “The Water Will Come” presents compelling evidence why immediate action towards mitigating climate change should be taken seriously lest disaster strikes next without warning whatsoever waking up millions untroubled sleepers put humanity onto extinction path early century ahead if nothing done adequately protect them soonest possible
I have always been interested in exploring the intersections between race and environmentalism. For far too long, mainstream discussions on climate change and sustainability have centered on the experiences of predominantly white communities, ignoring the unique ways that black people across the globe are impacted by ecological issues. In reviewing some recent books on black environmentalism, I hope to shed light on this important topic and amplify voices that are often overlooked in these conversations. Through examining various authors’ perspectives and insights, we can begin to forge a more inclusive vision for an environmentally just future – one that recognizes the intrinsic value of all lifeforms regardless of skin color or ancestry.
