I am passionate about climate change and environmental justice. I know that we cannot have conversation about climate change without taking into account how it disproportionately affects BIPOC. What I learned about power and privilege is knowing when you are taking up space and how to use your platform to invite voices that are often left out in the mainstream environmental movement. It is not just my voice and my story that matter. Youth have a lot to say about the future of their planet and I want to make sure I am sharing their message in an honest way and inviting them to the table. Because ultimately they are the future and the future of the planet is in our hands. We must act. Knowing that I get to share the stage and use my platform to highlight the voices of youth of color is what drives me to continue to teach environmental justice to the brilliant youth scholars. This video is about how we can invite youth of color to the larger conversation around climate change and environmental justice. Originally from Gary Indiana, a town with a history of environmental injustice. Cristal is first generation Mexican and loves nature! She is currently working on her doctorate in Education focusing on environmental racism and environmental injustice and its impact on students of color.
As one of ten siblings who grew up harvesting the beautiful brown earth to feed not only their large family but also their hearts. Nature is medicina Environmental justice es en mi sangre. From the ancient Azteca days, Madre tierra days, the pre-Conquest days, our goddess tonantzin days, maker of moon and stars days, my ancestors worshiped her days.
Developing an environmental justice curriculum for youth of color is not the only solution. Because, Rigoberta Mechu who in her last words stated “Our Mother Earth – militarized, fenced-in, poisoned, a place where basic rights are systematically violated – demands that we take action.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx