Silence is Violence
The Determined supports the efforts of the Black Lives Matter movement and the fight for equity and justice.
A few years ago we pledged to dedicate our creative skills to the organizations working to make an impact on our climate crisis. The climate crisis is not separate from the COVID-19 crisis or the systemic racism that enables police brutality. We are in a crisis inside a crisis inside a crisis and we can’t keep quiet about Black Lives Matter, saying it’s not our fight, as many in the climate movement have been inclined to do over the years.
Many of us see the Black Lives Matter protests and wonder why we don’t see this kind of urgency about climate action. We saw the entire economy shut down over COVID-19, reducing CO2 emissions globally by ~17%. The puzzle pieces are right in front of us, and we are starting to put them together, revealing the ugly truths about our society.
The answers are rooted in white supremacy. Climate change has not been elevated to an urgent matter because the people in power aren’t as affected by its consequences (yet.) Because they can afford to keep the AC running all summer. Because they can pay someone (who is that someone?) to deliver their meals while they stay inside shielded from the storms. It goes on and on and it’s everywhere once you look at it.
White supremacy is very short-sighted and it depends on complacency and suppression of the ugly truth.
We, The Determined, believe in speaking the truth, no matter how ugly or uncomfortable it is. Silence is violence.
We focus on climate because we want a society that works for 100% of people. We understand that ecological collapse is an enormous risk to all life. Climate change affects us all, but it doesn’t affect us equally. The approaches and solutions we co-create need to involve everyone. We need to listen to the people in the communities being adversely affected by climate change now.
And right now, we have to ask, how can we achieve a better, healthier, and safer world when Black Americans are being harassed, tortured, or killed by the officers who claim to serve and protect their communities? Which communities do they protect? And at what cost?
The ugly truth is the people in power can afford to keep their homes a comfortable temperature, stockpile food and water, and hide in their bunkers while the police force they’ve funded protects them from the hungry thirsty masses.
That is the future we are fighting against.
That is why, while addressing our climate crisis, we need to simultaneously address environmental and social justice.
Marginalized, low-income communities are being affected most by water and air pollution, sea level rise, extreme weather, and the economic consequences brought on by our climate crisis.
Climate change accentuates existing pressures in those same communities while deepening the social struggles people are already facing; poverty, health issues, food and housing insecurity.
And the health and well-being of these communities are being threatened by ailments such as asthma, cancer, and birth defects (due to harmful environmental waste deliberately discarded in their communities, for example).
Systemic racism has, unfortunately, been a part of America’s history since the beginning. Couple that with environmental racism and we will no doubt fail at creating that better world for all.
We recognize that none of us individually will end racism. Systemic hate demands systemic change. But together, we can collectively take part in speaking up when we see hate and injustice.
As a small creative studio, The Determined has a responsibility to be a contributor of positive change, an ally to those experiencing hate.
As we mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and the countless other lives lost in the Black community, our hope is that we can draw upon our climate community’s shared creative talents, networks, and energy to support one another as we co-create a better world for all.
Moving forward, we will recognize the privilege The Determined has and will:
+ Listen — truly listen to those experiencing hate and discrimination
+ Educate ourselves on how to be more aware of the issues Black Americans are facing on a daily basis
+ Be intentional with our actions to ensure each new client project addresses environmental and social justice
+ Expand our network of climate designers, climate experts, and business professionals to be more diverse and actively inclusive
+ Amplify the voices of marginalized people by using our social networks, newsletter, podcasts, and events
+ Support Black designers focusing on social and/or environmental justice
On that last note, we want to offer specific help to young, new, and seasoned Black designers with any of the following at no cost:
+ Help with portfolio building
+ Job searching and interview tips
+ Advice on ways to market yourself
+ Effective messaging strategies
+ Taking ideas to market
+ And other creative and business services
If you or someone you know would like any support, find a time to schedule a call with us.
We’re a small creative studio. We know we can only do so much, but we are here, listening, ready to help in any way we can.
Onward.
—Marc & Sarah
PS: We’ve been collecting articles and videos that speak at the intersection of climate change and racism. Bookmark this link as we will continuously add links as we discover them.
