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In an inspiring movement across the United States, Black and Indigenous communities are establishing intentional living spaces that serve as sanctuaries for cultural preservation and communal resilience. From California to Alabama, these groups are not only reclaiming land but also honouring their ancestral practices, fostering a connection to nature, and nurturing the next generation.
A New Chapter in Community Living
Zappa Montag stands amidst the towering redwoods and flourishing gardens of Black to the Land, an ecovillage nestled in Boonville, California. Spanning 76 hectares (189 acres) of fertile land, this intentional community is a harmonious blend of sustainability and cultural heritage. “We are here to reverse-gentrify the country,” Montag asserts, expressing a heartfelt commitment to creating a healing environment for Black individuals.
Intentional communities, defined as groups that inhabit a shared space based on common values and goals, have long been a refuge for people of colour. These communities often encompass co-housing arrangements in urban settings as well as ecovillages in rural locales, where members strive for environmental sustainability and communal governance. Historically, following the end of slavery, tight-knit Black communities banded together to forge success in agriculture and business, a tradition that continues to evolve today.
The Genesis of Black to the Land
Launched in 2015, Montag and his daughter Bibi Sarai envisioned Black to the Land in response to the gentrification they witnessed in Oakland. Their dream was to cultivate a healing space for the Black community, surrounded by nature. Initially hosting gatherings and concerts, the project took a significant turn in 2021 when they were introduced to the Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a once-thriving community seeking new stewards.
With a verbal and written agreement, Montag and his circle were gifted stewardship of the land. “It’s been a reparations type of project,” he reflects, highlighting their commitment to learning how to care for the land as a form of restitution. Following a personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter in 2023, Montag grappled with the future of the community, only to find renewed purpose when visitors reported improvements in their wellbeing after visiting the property.
Building a Sustainable Future
Since its establishment, Black to the Land has grown into a thriving community. Residents have honed their agricultural skills through mentorship from former Emerald Earth members, while also raising funds through workshops and grants. Their communal living model fosters self-reliance; chores are shared, and everyone contributes to the upkeep of the land, from gathering firewood to tending to gardens.
The community also embraces traditional healing practices, with members skilled in African herbal medicine crafting remedies for minor ailments. While no one has yet required medical services, a nearby clinic and emergency transport insurance are in place should the need arise. The collaborative spirit is palpable, as members learn to build natural structures and cultivate a sustainable lifestyle together.
A Growing Movement of Intentional Living
The Bipoc Intentional Community Council, established in 2020, has witnessed a significant resurgence in the back-to-the-land movement. This initiative supports Black and brown individuals in forming their own communities, providing funding and resources to navigate the complexities of land ownership. Board member Crystal Byrd Farmer emphasises that these spaces are vital for healing and cultural reconnection, asserting, “We are recreating that feeling of being in a home and being in a community that values us.”
The stark reality remains that most intentional communities in the United States are predominantly white, a result of historical disparities in access to capital and land. Many individuals from marginalised backgrounds find themselves disconnected from their cultural roots within these majority-white spaces, prompting a growing desire to establish their own enclaves.
Reviving Ancestral Practices
Intentional communities serve as bastions for cultural preservation. In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage, founded by the Indigenous Maskoke people, stands as a testament to resilience. After reclaiming ancestral land, they have created a matriarchal community that prioritises language immersion and ecological sustainability. Residents utilise traditional agricultural practices, growing native crops and reintroducing endangered species, all while fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
In Massachusetts, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective is a melting pot of creativity and collaboration among women of colour. Managed by Julivic Marquez, the communal home serves as a hub for multimedia projects focused on food sovereignty, reparations, and social justice. This collective illustrates how intentional living fosters not just survival but thriving through shared resources and mutual support.
The Legacy of Community Living
The roots of modern intentional living in Black communities can be traced back to the civil rights movement, particularly the establishment of New Communities in Albany, Georgia, in 1969. Founded by civil rights leaders, this pioneering community offered a model for land trust and cooperative living. Although they faced numerous challenges, including government obstruction, the legacy of New Communities continues to inspire current initiatives aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and cultural pride.
Shirley Sherrod, a key figure in New Communities, reflects on the empowerment that came from collective planning and collaboration. Today, she mentors younger generations on creating intentional communities and establishing land trusts, embodying the enduring spirit of resilience.
Why it Matters
The emergence of intentional communities is not merely a trend; it represents a profound shift towards self-determination and cultural reclamation for marginalised groups. By fostering environments that prioritise traditional practices, community governance, and ecological sustainability, these spaces offer a remedy to the fragmentation wrought by systemic oppression. In an era where societal pressures can feel overwhelming, these communities are not just about survival; they are about thriving together, reclaiming identities, and nurturing future generations in a world that often seeks to erase them.