Across the United States, marginalized groups are forging intentional communities to reclaim their cultural heritage, establish sustainable living practices, and nurture the next generation. From California’s lush countryside to the historical lands of Alabama, Black and Indigenous peoples are building communal spaces that provide a sanctuary from societal pressures, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience.
A Vision Born from Struggles
In Boonville, California, Zappa Montag finds solace amidst a flourishing ecovillage named Black to the Land, a project that he co-founded with his daughter, Bibi Sarai. The 76-hectare (189-acre) site is a vibrant tapestry of redwoods, fruit trees, and sprawling vegetable gardens, offering a stark contrast to the gentrification Montag witnessed in Oakland. “We’re trying to reverse-gentrify the country,” he declares, highlighting the need for spaces where Black people can reconnect with their roots and heritage.
Intentional communities—defined as small groups living in alignment with shared values—have long been part of Black and Indigenous culture. These communal living arrangements often prioritise environmental sustainability and collective governance. Following the end of slavery, Black communities relied on each other for support, laying the foundation for these modern-day initiatives aimed at reconnecting with ancestral agricultural practices.
Building a Legacy
The seed for Black to the Land was planted in 2015 when Montag and Bibi envisioned a healing space for Black individuals, inspired by their frustrations with urban gentrification. Their journey took a significant turn in 2021 when they were granted stewardship of the Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a site previously established by white activists. This transfer of land ownership was not merely transactional; it was a form of reparative justice, allowing Montag and his community to embrace their stewardship responsibilities fully.
Tragedy struck in early 2023 with the unexpected passing of Bibi Sarai, leaving Montag to grapple with the future of their shared dream. However, the positive impact of the community on visitors’ well-being reaffirmed his commitment to their vision. “It’s been a place for healing, and I realised we must honour her legacy by moving forward,” he reflects.
With a diverse group of stewards aged from their late 20s to mid-50s, Black to the Land has cultivated skills in agriculture, construction, and herbal medicine, all while living off the land. The community thrives through collective efforts, with members sharing responsibilities ranging from gardening to childcare and embracing a lifestyle that prioritises self-sufficiency.
A Cultural Renaissance
Similar initiatives are blossoming in other regions, such as the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage in Alabama, where the Maskoke people have established a matriarchal community rooted in ancestral practices. This collective reclaims land from which they were forcibly removed over 180 years ago, focusing on ecological sustainability and cultural preservation. “We needed to recreate a society in which our language and traditions could flourish,” notes Marcus Briggs-Cloud, a co-founder of Ekvn-Yefolecv.
In Massachusetts, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective offers a safe haven for women of colour, with a focus on food sovereignty and creative expression. Their communal living arrangement fosters both economic support and cultural enrichment, demonstrating the diverse forms that intentional communities can take.
A Modern Movement
The recent resurgence of intentional living within Black communities can be traced back to the civil rights era, with initiatives like New Communities in Albany, Georgia, which aimed to provide a sustainable living environment for Black sharecroppers. Although the original community faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and financial hurdles, the legacy continues to inspire contemporary movements. Shirley Sherrod, a founding member, now mentors younger generations on how to establish intentional communities and land trusts.
The BIPOC Intentional Community Council supports these efforts, helping Black and brown individuals create communal spaces through funding and educational workshops. “It’s about returning to our roots and finding ways to thrive outside the pressures of capitalism,” explains board member Crystal Byrd Farmer.
Why it Matters
The rise of intentional communities among Black and Indigenous populations signifies a profound cultural renaissance, fostering an environment where individuals can reclaim their heritage, heal from historical traumas, and build sustainable futures. As these communities flourish, they serve as models for resilience and empowerment, challenging the existing socio-economic structures that have long marginalised them. By cultivating spaces rooted in care, tradition, and shared values, these groups are not only preserving their histories but also paving the way for future generations to thrive.
