Grasping at the Roots
A love letter to the Black Environmental Justice movement
This Documentary is a Beacon of Hope
As temperatures and tensions rise around us, Grasping at the Roots is a chance to follow some of the people who are making positive change in Black Environmental Justice communities. It is a window into the lives of those being hit by economic hardships, community disruptions, and climate change: living next to refineries and other industrial projects while bearing the brunt of a warming climate, and doing something about it.
This 35 minute film is an opportunity to learn from people building solutions to the issues their communities face. Those who come from a long legacy of fighting for their lives and rights.
This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a call to action.
It’s Time to Act
Join the Work Happening Near You
Climate Justice Alliance is where people come together to create a brighter future. We work across the United States, making neighborhoods healthy, safe, and affordable. We are committed to creating a Just Transition – stopping the harm caused by our economy while building local solutions.
If you are called to join this work, you can find out more about CJA’s Black Caucus here, learn how to become a member here, and look for organizations doing this type of work in your own community – we’re committed to the Just Transition Principles and Jemez Principles, and recommend you look for groups aligned with them as well.
Host or Attend a Screening
If you are interested in hosting a screening for your community, reach out to Keenan Lacy-Rhodes at [email protected]
We are working with member organizations to host a screening tour, where people can watch the film, then hear from local community leaders and the filmmakers.
Conversation Guide for Youth 
(or let’s be real, for everyone)
This film never would have been possible without strong mentors in the lives of the two filmmakers. That’s why we want to encourage everyone to watch this film with the youth in their lives, and to have a vibrant conversation about the subject. Here is a conversation guide that we’re offering to educators, parents, siblings, and anyone else who agrees that these are important things for young people to learn about.
Move Money to Support Environmental Justice
After watching this film you might be asking yourself, how do I do better with the money that I have? Luckily, that’s something people on our team have spent a lot of time thinking about. From using the influence people have to move family money in a better direction to supporting local nonextractive loan-funds, there are a lot of places to plug you in. If you are interested in learning how the money that you have – or your family, company, foundation, etc. – can make positive change in communities working to create a better future, reach out to Hailey Sinoff, our Resource Mobilization Coordinator, at [email protected].
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this film. Because of their graciousness, we were able to highlight voices from the following communities: East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, Kheprw Institute, Rich City Rides, Urban Tilth, Cooperation Jackson, Detroit Black Community Food Solidarity Network, The Safe Return Project.
