Relative to Black Conservation Week.
The resolution highlights the significant loss of land experienced by Black farmers throughout American history, illustrating that, in 2017, Black landowners held only 4.7 million acres compared to 16 million acres in 1910. This long-standing disparity has contributed to a lack of connection between Black Americans and nature, affecting both visitation rates to national parks and their engagement in environmental activities. The declaration of Black Conservation Week serves to address these inequalities and aims to empower Black communities through more equitable access to land and conservation opportunities.
House Resolution No. 32, introduced by Assembly Member McKinnor on April 26, 2023, designates the first full week of May as 'Black Conservation Week' in California. This resolution recognizes the historical and ongoing contributions of Black individuals to conservation efforts and aims to raise awareness about the intersection of race and conservation. It acknowledges years of systemic inequality faced by Black Americans, particularly in land acquisition and environmental participation, and promotes greater inclusion within the state's climate goals and natural resource management efforts.
Another critical point raised in the resolution revolves around the challenges that Black Americans and nonreservation Native Americans faced when attempting to acquire land. Historical biases and systemic barriers significantly limited their access to land grants and rights, further exacerbating economic disparities. The legislation proposes to emphasize awareness and foster the inclusion of underrepresented groups within the environmental movement, making explicit calls for state agencies to provide support and funding to businesses owned by socially disadvantaged groups, thereby advocating for collective reparative efforts against historical injustices.