“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 others.
Washington’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 to 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.
This book, “The Water Will Come” by Jeff Goodell, challenges us to consider whether we are adequately prepared for the rising seas and sinking cities that are remaking our world.
With increasing urgency, Goodell takes readers on a global journey through coastal cities grappling with floods caused by melting ice caps and climate change.
He examines cases where people are struggling to adapt to rising tides and the potentially devastating consequences of failing to prepare effectively.
The book makes it clear that living near coasts has become riskier than ever before, regardless of who you are. However, there is hope that remediative efforts can prevent large areas from sinking beneath the waves permanently and save countless lives in the process.
“The Water Will Come” provides compelling evidence for why immediate action on climate change is crucial to avoid disaster and prevent humanity from sliding towards extinction.
As someone interested in exploring the intersections between race and environmentalism, I believe it is essential to acknowledge how black communities around the world are uniquely impacted by ecological issues.
Mainstream discussions on climate change and sustainability have often overlooked these experiences, and reviewing recent books on black environmentalism can help amplify these voices and shed light on this crucial topic.
