In an inspiring movement across the United States, Black and Indigenous communities are banding together to establish intentional communities that uphold their cultural practices while fostering resilience against systemic oppression. From the rolling hills of California to the heart of Alabama, these enclaves serve as sanctuaries for shared values, sustainable living, and a return to ancestral knowledge.
A New Kind of Community
Zappa Montag, a Black steward of the ecovillage known as Black to the Land in Boonville, California, embodies this transformative vision. Nestled among towering redwoods and fruitful gardens, Montag and his fellow community members live off the grid, cultivating a space that prioritises environmental sustainability and cultural legacy. “This is about reversing gentrification,” Montag explains, highlighting the urgent need for communities of colour to reclaim land and nurture their heritage.
Intentional communities—defined as groups of individuals who share common goals and values in a specific area—have been a pivotal part of Black and Indigenous life for generations. They not only provide a refuge from the pressures of mainstream society but also offer a platform for passing down vital cultural practices to younger generations. In a time of increasing isolation and disconnection, these communities are re-establishing ties to the land and to one another.
Healing Through Connection
The inception of Black to the Land emerged in 2015 when Montag, alongside his daughter Bibi Sarai, sought to create a healing retreat amid the backdrop of gentrification in Oakland. Their vision materialised when they were offered stewardship of the Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a once-thriving intentional community that had fallen dormant. Tragically, the loss of Bibi Sarai in early 2023 cast doubt on the continuation of their dream. However, the uplifting feedback from visitors about the healing power of the land reignited Montag’s commitment to fulfil their shared vision.
Today, Black to the Land thrives thanks to the collaborative efforts of its stewards, who range in age and expertise. They work together to develop essential skills, from agricultural practices to building techniques, while also facilitating workshops for community enrichment. The spirit of cooperation is palpable, with members sharing responsibilities and resources, all while cultivating a sustainable lifestyle that prioritises independence and self-reliance.
Reviving Ancestral Practices
In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage offers a powerful example of how Indigenous communities are reclaiming their heritage. Founded by the Maskoke people, this intentional community is dedicated to preserving ancestral practices and the Indigenous language, which is spoken daily among residents. By utilising traditional ecological knowledge, they have transformed 7,674 acres into a living testament to their culture, growing native crops and reintroducing endangered species.
Marcus Briggs-Cloud, a co-founder of the community, emphasises the need for a societal shift away from the environmentally destructive norms of colonial capitalism. “We needed to recreate a society in which our language once functioned best,” he asserts, highlighting the community’s commitment to ecological sustainability and cultural preservation.
The Power of Collective Action
The BIPOC Intentional Community Council, established in 2020, is another crucial player in this movement. By supporting the formation of intentional communities across the US, the council provides funding, workshops, and resources to those seeking to build collaborative living spaces. Crystal Byrd Farmer, a board member, notes the rise of a “back-to-the-land movement,” where people of colour are exploring rural living and reconnecting with their roots in a meaningful way.
Despite the challenges posed by systemic inequality, these communities are flourishing. They offer a space for Black and brown individuals to heal from the trauma of oppression while creating a supportive environment that values their cultural identities.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of intentional communities among marginalized groups represents a profound shift towards cultural reclamation and resilience in the face of adversity. As these spaces flourish, they not only serve as havens for healing and growth but also challenge the dominant narratives that have historically sidelined communities of colour. By fostering connections to land, culture, and each other, these intentional communities are redefining what it means to belong—creating a blueprint for future generations to thrive.