Across the United States, marginalised communities are establishing intentional living spaces that not only preserve their cultural heritage but also foster resilience and self-sufficiency. From California’s picturesque landscapes to Alabama’s rich history, these communal efforts are revolutionising how people of colour connect with their roots and empower future generations.
A New Chapter in Community Living
Zappa Montag stands amid a serene backdrop of towering redwoods and flourishing gardens at Black to the Land, an ecovillage nestled in the scenic hills of Boonville, California. This 76-hectare (189-acre) sanctuary is more than just a home; it is a deliberate response to the rampant gentrification that has eroded Black communities across America. Alongside his daughter and a collective of like-minded individuals, Montag aims to create a healing haven that draws inspiration from ancestral traditions and environmental stewardship.
“Reverse-gentrifying the country” is how Montag describes their mission, one rooted in the belief that communal living can nurture both individual and collective well-being. Intentional communities, defined as groups united by shared values and visions, have long been a refuge for Black and Indigenous people. They offer a space to reconnect with agricultural and ecological wisdom that has been historically overlooked.
The Seeds of Resilience
The journey of Black to the Land began in 2015 when Montag and his daughter, Bibi Sarai, envisioned a communal space dedicated to healing and connection with nature. After encountering an opportunity to steward the Emerald Earth Sanctuary in 2021, they seized the chance to cultivate a place where Black individuals could gather, learn, and grow. Tragically, the project faced uncertainty following the untimely passing of Bibi Sarai in February 2023. Yet, the positive impact of the community on visitors’ mental health reaffirmed Montag’s commitment, prompting him to dedicate himself fully to this shared dream.
In the two years since, he has cultivated a vibrant community, wherein members engage in sustainable agricultural practices, share resources, and learn traditional skills. Fundraising initiatives and workshops on gardening and building have become vital components of their strategy, while the community’s reliance on herbal remedies from African plant medicine practitioners showcases a holistic approach to well-being.
A Movement Towards Self-Reliance
The Bipoc Intentional Community Council highlights a growing trend of “back-to-the-land” movements among communities of colour across the U.S. Board member Crystal Byrd Farmer notes that these efforts are akin to ancestral practices of gathering and supporting one another. “We’re trying to navigate through the capitalism maze to recreate that feeling of home and community,” she explains.
However, access to land and resources remains a challenge, as many intentional communities in the U.S. are predominantly white, often due to historical disparities in capital access. Farmer emphasises the discomfort felt by Black and brown individuals in these spaces, where cultural practices may clash with prevailing norms. In response, many are forging their own paths, creating environments that prioritise healing and cultural expression.
Reviving Ancestral Traditions
In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Indigenous Maskoke people. Established in 2018 after reclaiming ancestral land, this community thrives under matriarchal governance, emphasising the use of their native language and traditional ecological practices. By employing ancestral foraging techniques and cultivating regional crops, the members are not only preserving their heritage but also modelling sustainable living for other Indigenous communities.
Similarly, in Massachusetts, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective has created a communal home for women of colour, where they collaborate on art projects and engage in discussions about food sovereignty and social justice. The collective’s approach to shared responsibilities and mutual support exemplifies the power of intentional living as a means to combat systemic inequalities.
Why it Matters
The rise of intentional communities among marginalised groups is not just a response to current socio-political challenges; it is a profound reclamation of identity, culture, and autonomy. These spaces allow individuals to heal from systemic oppression while nurturing future generations in environments that honour their heritage. As communities come together to cultivate land, share knowledge, and foster resilience, they are not merely surviving; they are flourishing, proving that when people unite with purpose, they can create transformative change. The movement to reclaim spaces and traditions holds the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for all.
