Across the United States, Black and Indigenous communities are establishing intentional spaces aimed at preserving their cultural heritage and nurturing future generations. From rural ecovillages to urban co-housing, these collective efforts are rooted in care, sustainability, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
Intentional Communities: A Growing Movement
In the face of ongoing gentrification and social upheaval, members of historically marginalised communities are increasingly turning to intentional living as a means of reclaiming their identities and traditions. Defined as small groups of individuals who cohabit based on mutual values and goals, intentional communities can manifest in various forms—from collaborative urban housing to ecovillages that prioritise ecological sustainability.
One such community is Black to the Land, situated in Boonville, California, where a group of Black residents, including founder Zappa Montag, is cultivating both the land and their cultural roots. Spread across 76 hectares of lush greenery, their ecovillage operates off the grid, relying solely on solar power and well water. Montag describes their mission as an effort to “reverse-gentrify the country,” creating a refuge for Black Americans to reconnect with nature and one another.
Healing Spaces Amidst Adversity
The origins of Black to the Land can be traced back to 2015 when Montag and his daughter, then 16, sought to create a healing retreat for Black individuals disheartened by the gentrification they witnessed in Oakland. In 2021, they gained stewardship of the Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a property in Mendocino County that had been seeking new custodians. Montag regards this as a project of reparative justice, stating, “Instead of paying money, we are spending time to learn stewardship.”
Tragedy struck in early 2023 when Montag’s daughter unexpectedly passed away. Despite his grief, he decided to continue the vision they shared, recognising the positive impact their community had on others. Today, Black to the Land not only fosters agricultural practices but also serves as a hub for wellness, offering workshops on gardening, building, and herbal medicine.
Cultural Preservation and Community Resilience
The formation of these intentional communities serves as a vital means of preserving traditional practices and passing them down to younger generations. For instance, Ekvn-Yefolecv, an ecovillage established by the Maskoke people in Alabama, has reclaimed land from which they were forcibly removed nearly two centuries ago. Here, the community nurtures their ancestral language and ecological traditions, aiming to create a model of sustainable living for other Indigenous groups.
In Massachusetts, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective has fostered a communal living environment for women of colour, blending art, food sovereignty, and mutual aid. Each member contributes based on their abilities, ensuring a shared commitment to the wellbeing of the household.
As highlighted by Crystal Byrd Farmer of the Bipoc Intentional Community Council, there is a burgeoning movement among Black and Brown individuals to reconnect with their roots and cultivate agricultural practices in rural areas. “We are used to gathering in small groups and supporting each other,” she explains. “What we’re doing now is trying to get through the capitalism maze to re-create that feeling of being in a home and community that values us.”
A Legacy of Collective Living
The modern resurgence of intentional communities among Black Americans can be traced back to historical efforts, such as New Communities in Georgia, founded during the civil rights movement. Established in 1969, this pioneering community aimed to provide a refuge for Black sharecroppers who had lost their livelihoods due to their activism. Though the community faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and funding obstacles, its legacy has inspired a new generation of leaders who strive to establish similar spaces.
Shirley Sherrod, one of the original founders of New Communities, continues to mentor young activists on the importance of land trusts and collective living. “Working together, there’s all kinds of organising going on in order to move forward,” she affirms. Her vision is to create sustainable living spaces that empower families and foster community resilience.
Why it Matters
The establishment of intentional communities by Black and Indigenous peoples is more than a trend; it represents a powerful counter-narrative to systemic oppression and cultural erasure. As these communities thrive, they not only provide a sanctuary for healing and cultural continuity but also challenge the societal structures that marginalise them. In an increasingly fractured world, these spaces of support and connection offer a vital lifeline, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment that resonates far beyond their borders.
