Across the United States, Black and Indigenous communities are taking bold strides to reclaim their ancestral lands and cultural practices through the establishment of intentional communities. These spaces, deeply rooted in shared values and collective governance, aim to foster a sense of belonging and sustainability while passing down traditional knowledge to future generations.
A Vision of Healing in Boonville
In the picturesque landscape of Boonville, California, Zappa Montag and his daughter Bibi Sarai envisioned a sanctuary for Black individuals seeking solace and reconnection with their heritage. As they witnessed the gentrification of Oakland, they were inspired to create Black to the Land, an ecovillage situated on a stunning 76-hectare (189-acre) property. This intentional community operates off the grid, relying on solar power and well water, and is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its members.
“Reverse-gentrify the country