AFRO-ECOLOGY VOTER PLEDGE

Racist institutional practices and policies have historically, and currently, left Black people disempowered, disenfranchised, and disinherited from the benefits of a healthy environment and sustainable programs and policies. In order to protect future generations of Black Oregonians, the Black community must participate in addressing climate change and issues of environmental justice right now. 

The Afro Ecology lens is centered in Black prosperity and pushes beyond the narrow focuses of traditional conversations around sustainability. With this lens we can assess opportunities and threats that impact not only our environmental health, but the health of our communities and our spirit.

the Afro Ecology Lens

• Reclamation of African ancestral ecological self-concept, including connection to spirit, land, and people, which serves to give us direction, esteem, and confidence.

• Deconstruction of oppressive systems and environmental tools that serve to divide and disconnect us from each other and nature by reinforcing scarcity, isolation, and erasure.

• Advance opportunities that improve our well-being, create resilient Black communities, and facilitate our connection to the land, the waterways, food systems, and each other.

Together we can create a future that ensures: 

• Availability of safe, efficient transportation options in all black neighborhoods, connecting people to jobs and education via transit, walking, biking, and rolling.

• Land uses and the physical appearance of neighborhoods support the wellbeing of our community with minimal impact on the Earth. Plan for equitable urban development where ‘Sustainability’ features support and enhance Black lives.

• Equitable access to green programming, education, and initiatives that support the Black community’s participation in climate change preparation and GHG reduction efforts.

•  Environmental Justice enforcement addresses the needs and concerns of marginalized and impacted communities by working equitably and effectively to reduce exposure to environmental hazards, such as airborne pollutants from industrial activity, transportation, and energy production.

• Emergency preparedness plans for under-served neighborhoods and for nonprofit organizations that serve Black people and families.

Why does signing this pledge matter?

• As climate justice advocates, we often don’t vote in our numbers. By signing this pledge, you're making a firm commitment to vote your values.

• You won’t be alone! To help make sure you show up to every election, we will send you free reminders whenever it’s time to vote.

• Even if you already vote in every election, sign the pledge anyway! The more people who sign the pledge, the easier it is to convince others to join you and spread the word about  voting using an Afro Ecological lens!

• Thank you for joining us and legions of voters throughout the country in standing up for environmental justice and Black prosperity!