Across the United States, grassroots movements among Black and Indigenous populations are reclaiming land and culture through intentional communities. These spaces are not merely about living together; they’re a profound act of resistance against historical injustices, a way to nurture cultural heritage, and a means of fostering self-sufficiency in the face of ongoing societal challenges.
A Healing Retreat in California
In Boonville, California, Zappa Montag stands amidst a lush landscape of redwoods and vibrant gardens at his eco-village, Black to the Land. Here, he and a small group of Black individuals are cultivating a sustainable lifestyle that pays homage to their ancestors while creating a nurturing environment for future generations. With 76 hectares of land powered solely by solar energy and well water, Montag describes their mission as an effort to “reverse-gentrify the country.”
The journey to establish this community began in 2015, when Montag and his then-teenage daughter, Bibi Sarai, envisioned a sanctuary where Black individuals could heal and reconnect with nature. Disheartened by the gentrification rampant in Oakland, they sought a space that would foster community and resilience. Their dream materialised when they were introduced to the Emerald Earth Sanctuary, a site in Mendocino County that had been seeking new stewards from marginalised backgrounds. With a verbal and written agreement, the sanctuary gifted the stewardship of the land to Montag and his community, marking the beginning of a transformative project.
Tragedy struck in February 2023 with the untimely passing of Bibi Sarai, leaving Montag questioning the future of their venture. However, the positive impact the community had on visitors during that summer reaffirmed his resolve. He decided to make Boonville his permanent home, dedicating himself to the dream he once shared with his daughter.
Building Skills and Resilience
Montag has since assembled a diverse group of stewards, ranging in age and experience, who are committed to sustaining their new home through agriculture, building skills, and communal governance. Their focus on self-reliance is evident in their collaborative efforts, from tending gardens to constructing natural buildings with the help of local ecovillage leaders. They raise funds through workshops on gardening and foraging, ensuring that the community remains financially viable.
The ethos of Black to the Land extends beyond mere survival; it’s about fostering a deep connection to the land and one another. Members engage in traditional herbal practices, while African plant medicine practitioners create remedies for their peers. They consciously avoid reliance on external medical services, fostering a sense of security and well-being within their community. Montag articulates this desire for independence: “It feels like things are precarious out there these days.”
Reviving Cultural Practices in Alabama
In Alabama, the Ekvn-Yefolecv ecovillage serves as a beacon of hope for Indigenous Maskoke people. This community, established in 2018, has reclaimed ancestral land from which their ancestors were forcibly removed 180 years ago. Governed by matriarchal principles, the residents actively engage in their cultural practices, from speaking their ancestral language to cultivating traditional crops and reintroducing native wildlife.
Marcus Briggs-Cloud, co-founder of Ekvn-Yefolecv, emphasises the importance of creating a society that nurtures their language and ecological knowledge. The community operates through a language-immersion programme focused on sustainable practices that align with their cultural values. Their agricultural methods not only preserve traditional knowledge but also challenge the harmful practices associated with modern industrial agriculture.
The Legacy of Collective Living
The concept of intentional communities among Black populations has roots that trace back to the civil rights movement, particularly with the establishment of New Communities in Albany, Georgia. Founded in 1969 by civil rights leaders, this pioneering community aimed to provide a safe haven for Black sharecroppers displaced by their activism. Though they faced numerous challenges, including funding difficulties, the vision of collective living and mutual support continues to inspire contemporary movements.
Today, organisations like the Bipoc Intentional Community Council are providing vital support for Black and brown individuals seeking to create their own communal living spaces. They offer workshops on establishing non-profits and land trusts, fostering connections among individuals eager to return to their roots and build sustainable communities. Crystal Byrd Farmer, a board member, notes that this “back-to-the-land movement” is about more than just farming; it’s a holistic approach to reclaiming identity and heritage.
Why it Matters
The rise of intentional communities among marginalized groups is a powerful testament to resilience and cultural reclamation. These spaces not only serve as sanctuaries against societal oppression but also as fertile grounds for nurturing traditions and fostering intergenerational knowledge. As the pressures of modern life increase, the importance of creating safe, supportive environments cannot be overstated. In reclaiming land and culture, Black and Indigenous communities are not just building homes; they are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future. This movement signifies a collective awakening to the necessity of community-oriented living as a means to combat the isolation and disconnection wrought by systemic injustices.
