March, 2023 – Ecosystemic Magazine

A Hero and Pioneer for Peace – Wangari Maathai

11Mar

By Becki M’mariNo Comments

Activism & Social Change

A Hero and Pioneer for Peace – Wangari Maathai

By Becki M’mari What does it mean to be a hero? As a globally recognized pioneer in the fight for social and environmental justice, Professor Wangari Muta Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. To many, she was a hero because of her commitment to fostering innovation and positive growth. Born and raised in the highlands of Kenya, Maathai was the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctoral degree. From there, she became the first woman elected as Chair of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Nairobi. One of Maathai’s most pivotal and meaningful contributions was creating the Green Belt Movement, an environmental organization empowering women to make meaningful improvem...

Planetwalker: How the Actions of One Can Make a Difference

By Amelia Petty To help the earth, people are told to pick up trash, ride the bus to school, and recycle plastic bags. Environmentalists spread the message of the power of individual contribution to the large issue of climate change and environmental destruction. Though, despite this narrative, people sometimes doubt the true impact of one person’s actions. They worry that picking up one piece of trash, or recycling a container will not stop the enormity of the climate crisis. However, this has been proven wrong by the actions of Dr. John Francis, also known as the Planetwalker. He is proof of the impact of just one person committing to this lifestyle makes a difference. He made it his mission to help the environment through sustainable living. Francis refused motorized tra...

Shrouded Poem

Photo Credits: Environmental Justice Is Our Cry of Defense Ricardo Levins Morales By Ariana Thornton Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Richmond, California, Cancer Alley of Louisiana, and more are covered by a funeral shroud—smoke plaguing from nearby oil, gas, and plastic plants, festering in low-income communities, Black and Brown bodies, to produce asthma, lung disease, heart disease, strokes. Take the hours-long drive to Great Falls now, and watch comfortably spaced houses of suburban neighborhoods dissolve into acres of woodlands, expanses of lawns (well-manicured, green), beautiful mansions in the richest, most coveted zip code in Virginia, where well water is clear and forest air is fresh, where ...