Issue: Environmental/Climate Justice

Last week, we saw breaking news on August 8th describing what is now being called “the deadliest wildfire in over a century” in Maui, HI (the traditional territories of the Nā moku ʻehā). With families still being reunited, people still missing, and a cause yet to be determined, the dire situation is still unfolding as the aftermath of this event continues to be discovered. Many local residents, Indigenous folks, and climate activists who have long warned of such an event, have taken to social media to ask for support, offer resources, and give their understanding of why a fire that was so devastating, occurred in an area that has not been prone to wildfires.

Black August, a month dedicated to honoring the resilience and struggles of Black activists and revolutionaries, holds a significant connection to the ongoing fight for climate justice. The intersection between Black August and climate justice underscores the historical ties between environmental injustice and racial discrimination. I want to take this month to explore the relationship between Black August and climate justice, highlighting the impact of environmental issues on marginalized communities and the role of collective activism in creating a more equitable and sustainable future.