Reclaiming Land: Black and Indigenous Communities Build Intentional Spaces
‘Reverse-gentrify the country’: how Black and Indigenous intentional communities are reclaiming land
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
In Boonville, California, Zappa Montag and a group of Black individuals have established 'Black to the Land,' an intentional community focused on sustainability and healing. This movement, rooted in historical practices, aims to reverse gentrification and reconnect marginalized communities with their agricultural heritage, fostering resilience and cultural preservation.
- 01Black to the Land is an intentional community in Boonville, California, aimed at sustainability and cultural healing.
- 02The community was founded by Zappa Montag and his daughter as a response to gentrification in Oakland.
- 03Intentional communities are gaining popularity among Black and Indigenous people as a way to reconnect with ancestral practices.
- 04Ekvn-Yefolecv, an Indigenous ecovillage in Alabama, emphasizes cultural and ecological sustainability.
- 05Historical precedents like New Communities in Georgia highlight the ongoing struggle for land ownership and community building.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In Boonville, California, Zappa Montag has created 'Black to the Land,' an intentional community that spans 76 hectares (189 acres) and focuses on sustainable living and cultural healing. Inspired by the gentrification witnessed in Oakland, Montag and his daughter, Bibi Sarai, aimed to establish a space for Black individuals to reconnect with nature and their agricultural roots. The community operates off the grid, utilizing solar power and well water, and emphasizes shared responsibilities among its members.
The movement towards intentional communities is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend among Black and Indigenous populations across the United States. These communities serve as sanctuaries for cultural preservation and healing from systemic oppression. For instance, Ekvn-Yefolecv, an ecovillage in Alabama, allows Indigenous Maskoke people to practice ancestral traditions and ecological sustainability. Similarly, the Solidarity Arts & Education Decolonial Initiatives (SAEDi) collective in Massachusetts fosters collaboration among women of color to address issues like food sovereignty and Black reparations.
Montag's vision for Black to the Land includes creating a healing space where members can engage in agricultural practices and community support. Following the tragic loss of his daughter, he has found renewed purpose in continuing their dream. The community's activities include workshops on sustainable living, herbal medicine, and building skills. With a focus on self-reliance, members share chores and responsibilities, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. As these intentional communities flourish, they not only reclaim land but also revive cultural practices, offering a model for resilience and healing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The establishment of intentional communities like Black to the Land allows marginalized groups to reclaim land, preserve cultural practices, and foster resilience against systemic oppression. This movement provides a model for community-building and self-reliance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the establishment of intentional communities for marginalized groups?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


