(2019-07) Fisher, Luke D.; McCormick, John; Friesen, Amanda; Blomquist, William
Environmentalism has incorrectly, historically been canonized as a primarily
white, primarily male, led movement. This thesis argues that the history of the
environmental movement has been whitewashed. Women of color have been the main
arbiters of change as leaders in their community who organize against the environmental
degradation that disproportionately affects communities of color. Change is implemented
by these women through representation, grassroots organizing, and coalition but these
strategies have been unrecognized and undervalued for decades. As the rate of
environmental degradation rapidly increases, specifically affecting communities of color,
the voices of women of color need to be recognized, elevated, and heeded in order to
make an environmental movement that prioritizes justice and the importance of
intersectional voices