As a newcomer to D.C., I am eager to explore all this city has to offer. Despite the sprawling National Mall and the throngs of tourists, D.C. is also a network of communities. This blog explores the ways that D.C. residents are banding together to strengthen communities, and building an inclusive green economy from the bottom-up.
On Wednesday, July 7, I hopped on my bike at lunchtime and rode down to the Mall to attend a talk at the National Museum of American History entitled Hip-Hop Humanities: A Day on Earth. The talk was hosted by the 9th Annual DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival, and was part of an amazing week of events that included live theatre, concerts, and B-Boy jams.
This particular event first caught my eye because one of the panelists, Majora Carter, impressed me immensely when I first saw her speak at Otelia Cromwell Day during my senior year at Smith College. I was excited to get another opportunity to hear her speak—especially regarding such a compelling issue. A Day on Earth addressed “the relationships between ‘Green the Ghetto,’ Hip-Hop culture, the work being done in the environmental sector and how people can get involved on a personal and professional level.”
Ms. Carter joined Rha Goddess, a performance artist and activist, Kymone “Papi” Freeman, director of the National Black LUV Festival, and Kari Fulton, campus campaign coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative on the panel. Each panelist introduced themselves and gave some background about the environmental justice work that they have done. They then proceeded to have a discussion about the things that they have found to be most important during their organizing careers.
Despite their different media and experiences, all four panelists agreed that movement building starts with communities, and the way to involve community members is to present ideas in ways that are socially and culturally relevant.
“I really felt you did not have to move out of your community to live in a better one,” said Majora Carter. These words really resonated with me, and made me proud of the ways that DC residents and WeatherizeDC are working to make DC a stronger, healthier, more energy efficient community.
