In a significant movement across the United States, Black and Indigenous communities are establishing intentional communities to reclaim land, preserve cultural practices, and foster a sense of belonging. From California to Alabama, these groups are not just building homes; they are constructing spaces that nurture traditions, support sustainability, and empower future generations.
Reclaiming Spaces: The Journey of Black to the Land
In the heart of Boonville, California, Zappa Montag and his community members are cultivating a vision of healing and reconnection through their ecovillage, Black to the Land. Spanning 76 hectares (189 acres) of lush landscape, this intentional community thrives off the grid, relying on solar power and well water. The initiative, born out of a desire to combat gentrification and create a sanctuary for Black individuals, has become a beacon of hope and resilience.
Montag, alongside his daughter Bibi Sarai, launched the project in 2015, inspired by their disillusionment with the rapid changes in Oakland due to gentrification. Their goal was clear: to foster a nurturing environment that embraces Black culture and traditions. After connecting with the Emerald Earth Sanctuary in Mendocino County, they seized the opportunity to take stewardship of a site that was once a thriving intentional community.
“It’s been a reparations type of project,” Montag remarked, emphasising the importance of learning to care for the land they now call home. Despite facing personal tragedy with the untimely passing of his daughter in early 2023, Montag found renewed purpose in continuing their shared dream. Today, he permanently resides in Mendocino, cultivating not just crops but a thriving community spirit with diverse members who share a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.
A Haven for Heritage: The Ekvn-Yefolecv Community
In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage, established by the Maskoke people, showcases a powerful act of reclamation. Founded in 2018 on land from which their ancestors were forcibly removed, this community embodies a matriarchal governance structure, steeped in ancestral language and ecological wisdom. Here, the Maskoke actively engage in traditional practices, growing native crops and reviving endangered species like buffalo and sturgeon.
Marcus Briggs-Cloud, co-founder of the community, stated, “Instead of changing our language to accommodate the environmentally abusive realities, we needed to change the way we live.” This profound commitment not only protects their culture but also serves as a blueprint for other Indigenous communities striving for ecological sustainability and cultural continuity.
Building Bonds: The Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives
Meanwhile, in central Massachusetts, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective offers another glimpse into the power of intentional living. This art collective for women of colour operates from a shared home, where they collaborate on multimedia projects focused on food sovereignty, Black reparations, and social justice.
Managed by Afro-Latine filmmaker Julivic Marquez, the collective is a vibrant example of how shared living can provide security and resilience in uncertain times. Members contribute to household responsibilities and support one another through challenges, reinforcing the idea that community is about mutual aid and support.
“It was important to me to create a space where women of colour could feel safe and empowered,” Marquez explained. The collective plans to expand their garden and invite community elders for residencies, ensuring the preservation of knowledge and heritage while fostering creativity and collaboration.
The Roots of Modern Intentional Communities
The concept of intentional living within Black communities has deep historical roots, tracing back to the civil rights movement. New Communities, founded in 1969 in Albany, Georgia, was a pioneering farming initiative that aimed to provide a sustainable future for Black sharecroppers. Although it faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination and funding barriers, it laid the groundwork for future communal efforts.
Shirley Sherrod, one of New Communities’ founders, reflects on its legacy: “We aimed to empower our people to come together and create change.” Today, Sherrod continues to mentor emerging leaders in building Black intentional communities, highlighting the importance of collaboration and resilience.
Why it Matters
The rise of intentional communities among marginalised groups is a vital response to a world that often alienates them. These spaces not only offer refuge from systemic oppression but also serve as incubators for cultural revival, ecological knowledge, and communal support. As they forge connections with their heritage, these communities embody a powerful movement towards self-determination and healing, reminding us all of the importance of belonging and shared purpose in an increasingly fragmented society.
