As the spectre of gentrification continues to loom over many urban areas, intentional communities across the United States are emerging as sanctuaries for Black and Indigenous peoples seeking to preserve their cultural practices and reconnect with their roots. From California to Alabama, these communal spaces are not just about living together; they represent a profound effort to revive ancestral traditions and foster resilience against systemic oppression.
Reclaiming Spaces: The Black to the Land Movement
In rural Boonville, California, Zappa Montag has cultivated a unique haven known as Black to the Land, an ecovillage spanning 76 hectares (189 acres) of lush landscape. With an array of fruit trees and a thriving vegetable garden, Montag and his fellow stewards, all members of the Black community, live sustainably off the grid, relying on well water and solar energy. Montag describes their mission as an attempt to “reverse-gentrify the country,” creating a nurturing environment for Black individuals to heal and thrive.
The concept of intentional communities is not new, particularly among Black Americans and Indigenous peoples. Historically, these groups have formed tight-knit communities to combat racial violence and economic disenfranchisement. Today, people in states like Alabama, Massachusetts, and California are increasingly seeking these communal living arrangements as vehicles for reconnecting with ancestral agricultural practices and ecological wisdom.
A Vision Born from Loss
Montag, alongside his daughter Bibi Sarai, initiated Black to the Land in 2015, inspired by the gentrification they witnessed in Oakland. Their vision was to create a tranquil space for Black individuals to gather, heal, and celebrate their heritage. In 2021, a fortunate turn of events led them to inherit the Emerald Earth Sanctuary in Mendocino County, a site that had begun to decline. “It’s been a reparations type of project,” Montag stated, reflecting on the community’s commitment to stewardship over mere ownership.
However, tragedy struck in February 2023 when Bibi Sarai unexpectedly passed away. Facing uncertainty about the future of the community, Montag found solace in the positive impacts the space had on visitors’ well-being. This prompted him to make the ecovillage his permanent home, where he has since expanded the community, honing his agricultural skills and fostering a sense of belonging among its members.
Thriving Through Collaboration and Education
The community at Black to the Land consists of individuals ranging from their late 20s to mid-50s, all committed to learning and sharing skills necessary for sustainable living. With the help of local organisations like Sankofa Roots, they have developed practical skills in agriculture, construction, and herbal medicine. As members work together to create dwellings from natural materials, they also share household responsibilities, cooking meals and maintaining the land collectively.
Montag emphasises self-reliance, stating, “We want to be able to be independent because it feels precarious out there these days.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the broader context of the Bipoc Intentional Community Council, which supports Black and brown individuals in establishing their own communities. The Council facilitates funding, educational workshops, and connections among those aspiring to live communally.
Cultural Preservation in Ekvn-Yefolecv and Beyond
In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage, founded by Indigenous Maskoke people, stands as a testament to cultural resilience. Having reacquired land from which their ancestors were forcibly removed, this community integrates ancestral language and ecological knowledge into daily life. Through a matriarchal governance structure, they cultivate traditional crops and engage in sustainable practices that honour their heritage.
Similarly, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) in Massachusetts exemplifies how communal living can empower women of colour. In a shared home, members contribute to household expenses, childcare, and community projects focused on food sovereignty and social justice. By fostering a supportive environment, they aim to create a sanctuary against the backdrop of rising xenophobia and economic instability.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Healing
The roots of modern intentional living among Black communities can be traced back to initiatives like New Communities in Albany, Georgia, founded in 1969. This pioneering effort aimed to provide a sustainable living space for Black sharecroppers. Though the community faced numerous challenges, including government opposition, its legacy endures. Today, figures like Shirley Sherrod continue to inspire new generations in creating intentional communities and land trusts.
For members of Black to the Land, communal gatherings provide not just a refuge but also a space for reflection and joy. Montag often visits a memorial bench dedicated to his daughter, where he finds solace and connection to both his past and the community’s future. “Just enjoying ourselves has got to be part of it,” he asserts, highlighting the importance of joy amidst struggle.
Why it Matters
As intentional communities proliferate, they serve as vital platforms for marginalised groups to reclaim their identities, traditions, and spaces. In a world increasingly marked by division and alienation, these communal efforts represent a powerful movement towards healing, resilience, and cultural preservation. They remind us that community is not merely a place but a profound expression of shared values, history, and hope for a more equitable future.
