Reclaiming Roots and Reverence: Valerie Rawls on Eco-Womanism and Black Land Legacies

When Valerie Rawls joins us on Spiritual Gumbeaux, we're not just talking about the earth beneath our feet; we're delving into the soul-enriching connection that our ancestors cultivated with the land. This episode is a tapestry of discussions, where Valerie, a beacon of wisdom in eco-womanism, shares insights on how environmental stewardship is deeply woven into African cosmology and our own well-being. As we traverse our collective history, we touch on the seismic cultural shifts that have distanced many in the Black community from their agrarian roots and land reverence that once burned so brightly. Prepare to reflect on the challenges that faith-based institutions encounter when honoring Mother Earth, and discover how spirituality and environmental care can harmonize without the shadows of misunderstanding.The land we stand on tells a story of power, loss, and resilience, particularly poignant in the narrative of Black farmers—once proprietors of 19 million acres, now clutching to a mere fraction of that legacy. We share personal accounts that bridge family history with the harsh realities of racial injustice, from the Great Migration to the haunting persistence of the Ku Klux Klan, painting a real-life picture of the multi billion dollar farmland deficit's impact on our communities. As we pivot to the pressing issue of housing insecurity among aging African-American women, Valerie and Rev Lynne celebrate empowerment through community support and discuss "90 Acres and a Mule," a visionary project set to sow seeds of harmony for women of color. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that's both an invocation of our past and a rallying cry for a sustainable, equitable future.You can learn more about the EcoWomanist Institute at https://www.ecowomanist.orgYou can also hear Valerie speak live at the Church of the Incarnation on April 21, 2024 at 11AM.