Story from Earth Curiosity

How Black Folks Have Built Resilient Spaces for Themselves in US Mountains

Did you know that there was a hidden utopia of formerly enslaved people located in the mountains of Appalachia?

EVERYTHING IN Earth Curiosity

Earth Curiosity

Uncovering the intersections of science, innovation, nature, and our Black community

Explore Topics

Earth Curiosity

Earth Curiosity

How Black Folks Have Built Resilient Spaces for Themselves in US Mountains

Did you know that there was a hidden utopia of formerly enslaved people located in the mountains of Appalachia?

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

The Ecology of the Forest: Bringing Black People into the Woods

From being historically excluded to now leading the US Forest Service, Black people are reclaiming forests for our community.

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

How Black Beaches Were Developed to Combat Jim Crow Segregation

One of the most famous coastal environmental activists was a Black woman committed to preserving the legacy of prosperous Black beaches.

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

How Bees and Black Folks Have a History of Working Together

Black women at the Tuskegee Institute ran one of the most famous Black beekeeping societies.

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

How the Georgia Peach Replaced Cotton Farming and Chattel Slavery

The not-so-sweet history of the peach reminds us that many American industries are built off the backs of Black labor.

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

George Washington Carver’s Salty Start to an Agricultural Revolution

To uplift Black sharecroppers, Carver used peanut plants to heal the land from cotton.

by Cameron Oglesby

Earth Curiosity

How Oysters Became a Source of Economic Freedom for Emancipated Black Folks

Today’s Black oystering traditions in the Chesapeake Bay trace back to 19th-century Black oystering communities.

by Cameron Oglesby

@earthincolor.co

To all the last-minute holiday shoppers, no need t

To all the last-minute holiday shoppers, no need to sweat! Swipe for some ideas from our holiday gift guide—it’s perfect whether you’re shopping for a bookworm, an aspiring chef, or a skincare obsessive. Find more suggestions at the link in our bio 🎁🎄❄️

This year, we worked with some incredibly talented

This year, we worked with some incredibly talented photographers and illustrators to produce stunning visuals to go along with our articles, recipes, and interviews. ⁠
⁠
Featured work from: ⁠
@allewismuseum⁠
@misstej⁠
@niabydesign⁠
@the_botanical_blasian⁠
@rawlzzzart⁠
@earthtodeja ⁠
@orbweaverrr ⁠
@nicky.j10 ⁠
Tasnia Malek ⁠
@taamooore⁠
@keishaoak ⁠
@timothypaule⁠
@lucky_peters⁠
@adventuresofnik⁠
@kelssweetie⁠
@ietef⁠
@grandmasterdara⁠
⁠
Read the stories this art is featured in at earthincolor.co 🌍

Current mood: chilly 🥶The birds have flown s

Current mood: chilly 🥶The birds have flown south, the trees have shed most of their leaves… Cozy season has arrived ⛄️⛸🧣❄️------Slide 1: Black and white photo of a Black person watering a bunch of greens growing in a bed. The person’s left hand is reaching towards the greens, while their right hand holds the nozzle of the hose spraying water. (Photo credit: @pleasantreminder/ @wyatt_lowry)Slide 2: Photo of a Black person with locs wearing a loose-fitting white shirt and assorted bangles on their left arm holding up a large jar filled with reddish fire cider (an herbal concotion comprised of various herbs, roots, peppers, citrus, and vinegar). The person is sitting on the ground in front of a bush, wearing an all-white outfit and looking right at the camera. (Photo credit: @medimommi)Slide 3: An overhead photo of a bed of leafy greens. A Black person off-camera has kneeled down to feel one of the leaves, and their left hand is visible in the image. (Photo credit: @earth_n_magic).Slide 4: Photo of a Black person wearing a blue and white striped shirt and black pants riding atop a brown and white speckled horse. (Photo credit: @avryjxn)Slide 5: Landscape photo showing the hills and mountains of Round Bald trail (a part of the Appalachian Trail on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina) with a patch of sunlight illuminating a nearby hill and the distant mountains fading from blue to purple. The backs of two Black people wearing coats and hats are visible in the foreground of the photo. (Photo credit: @rongriswell)Slide 6: A close-up photo of a bunch of chanterelles (wild edible mushrooms) spread out on a brown surface. (Photo credit: @indyofficinalis)Slide 7: A photo of a rocky hill with assorted plants growing on it (including white sage). There is a Black person in a blue sweater and baseball cap in the foreground, looking back at the hill behind them. (Photo credit: @countrygentlemancooks)Slide 8: A photograph of a yard lightly dusted with snow. Part of an archway and assorted plants are visible in the foreground, covered in a layer of white snow but with bits of green still peeking out. (Photo credit: @mydearestgarden)

As we begin to think about the gift of giving and

As we begin to think about the gift of giving and the ways we show appreciation to our loved ones, the Earth in Color team has compiled a few of our favorite Black-owned products, businesses, and organizations that offer a range of items and experiences that connect us with the Earth. While we love all the things we’ve listed, you certainly don’t have to buy everything (in fact we don’t want you to buy everything!). This holiday season—and, really, all year long—we like to give intentionally, shop sustainably, and most importantly, support Black-owned businesses. ⁠
⁠
Our gift guide features products from brands including @redbaycoffee, @blackgirlflorists, @yolelefoods, @ayapaper.co, @philaprint, @olaminabotanicals, @blkandgrn, and more!⁠

Put. This. On. EVERYTHING! Our simple berry compot

Put. This. On. EVERYTHING! Our simple berry compote is the perfect way to upgrade your waffles, pancakes, or oatmeal 🍓🫐 ⁠
⁠
WHAT YOU NEED:⁠
8 ounces Berries, frozen or fresh*⁠
¼ Medium-sized orange, juiced⁠
2 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup ⁠
⁠
HOW TO MAKE IT:⁠
Combine the ingredients in a deep pot (like a dutch oven) and bring to medium-high heat. Once the mixture is bubbling, immediately reduce to low-medium heat to softly simmer (you don’t want it to burn). Simmer for about 15 minutes or until thick. Mash to your liking and serve.
⁠
*For the berries, we suggest mixing two or more different types of berries to vary the flavors and textures. And you can even add ginger, seeds, herbs, or cinnamon. Get creative! ⁠

Did you know that trees hibernate too? Well, *tech

Did you know that trees hibernate too? Well, *technically* it’s called seasonal dormancy, but it’s a similar process. Trees change color and lose their leaves because they’re conserving energy in preparation for the cold winter months. Swipe to get a little science-y 🍂🔬🍁

Even more reasons to support your local beekeepers

Even more reasons to support your local beekeepers 🐝🍯

Did you know you could be buying fake honey? 👀🍯 ⁠
⁠
According to @detroithives co-founder Timothy Paule Jackson, “ninety percent of most honey that you get in big box stores is fake.” To make sure you’re getting the real stuff, he suggests checking out the nutrition label. Fake honey will have ingredients like “high fructose corn syrup, peach syrup, [and] it’ll have some type of sugar.” Avoid honey labeled as “pure” or “pasteurized,” and instead look for words like “raw” or “local.”⁠
⁠
And with winter approaching, it’s the perfect time to stock up — not only is it full of vitamins and minerals, but real honey can also be used as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. Swipe to check out some of our favorite Black-owned bee farms and Black beekeepers selling the good stuff 🐝🍯⁠

Have you listened to the new Radicle Sounds? This

Have you listened to the new Radicle Sounds? This season’s playlist was curated by the EIC team 🎶 It’s a collaborative soundscape inspired by the writing of bell hooks, our “Touching Earth” collection, and the many ways Black folks have been (and continue to be) in community with the Earth. Swipe for the full tracklist and listen at the link in our bio 🍂

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the swea

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the sweaters are sweatering. It’s peak autumn! Swipe for 🍁🧑🏾‍🌾🍄🎃——Slide 1: Photo of a Black person’s hand gesturing to a group of vibrant orange chicken of the woods mushrooms. (Photo credit: @hella_organic)Slide 2: Photo of a Black person in an all-white outfit with her back facing us and her arms extended as she walks across a sandstone formation in Nevada’s Valley of Fire state park. (Photo credit: @sofearlyss)Slide 3: Photo of a table in a greenhouse covered in squash of various sizes and colors. (Photo credit: @sarah_greenridge).Slide 4: Photo of a Black person wearing a blue beanie and jacket and laying on their back on top of a pile of greens. They are smiling and holding one pumpkin in each hand. (Photo credit: @sundanceharvest)Slide 5: Photo of a Black person’s hand holding a pomegranate that’s been broken open. (Photo credit: @krystalcmack)Slide 6: Photo of landscape of rolling hills around a body of water in the middle of fall, so the changing leaves have made the hills appear to be an orange-red color. The hiking boots and legs of the photographer are partially visible in the foreground of the image. (Photo credit: @elieoutside)

This delicious and simple recipe was created by Ja

This delicious and simple recipe was created by Jasmine Lowe (@jasminedlowe), an adventure and hike leader for @blackgirlstrekkin. Jasmine is the go-to cook for all kinds of outdoor adventures, and her flavorful dishes are proof that camping food doesn’t have to be bland. ⁠
⁠
“When I plan a trip to the outdoors,” Jasmine writes, “I think about creating great-tasting, easy-to-prepare plant-based meals that will fit the activity.” This chili recipe is perfect for a trip into the outdoors — it’s made up of easily-transported canned food and fresh veggies and it can be served in a bowl, as a Frito pie, or even as a topping on a hot dog! 🌭⁠
⁠
Trust us, this is the dish that you’ll want to make for your next camping trip 🏕⁠

In late August, President Biden declared a state o

In late August, President Biden declared a state of emergency in Mississippi after flooding exacerbated long-term issues with the water treatment system in Jackson, leading to a complete shutdown of the city’s water supply. Although the water was running again a couple of weeks later, this shutdown was just the latest development in Jackson’s years-long water crisis, which has had many residents relying on bottled water for drinking and cooking for decades now. ⁠
⁠
Jackson has reportedly seen 300 ‘boil water’ advisories just in the past two years, and the majority-Black city is currently facing multiple civil lawsuits brought by water customers as well as a federal discrimination complaint from the NAACP. And although the city claims its water billing system is working properly, countless Jackson residents are now facing staggering water bills — some as high as $4,000!! — for water they still aren’t sure they can safely drink or bathe in. ⁠
⁠
Even after the news cycle moves on, Black communities are still left to deal with the long-term effects of environmental injustice.

You can’t go wrong with a simple southern potato

You can’t go wrong with a simple southern potato salad 🥔 This recipe is from our founder Darel’s family. It’s a no mustard recipe, which we know is controversial, but we’re confident you won’t miss it! She says, “...this recipe is really good. It’s simple, delicious, and well-balanced. It’s my favorite variation because it’s not doing too-too much but it is still doing a little something-something.”

The fall is a period of transition. It’s a time

The fall is a period of transition. It’s a time to reflect on what the Earth is doing and how that influences us. What changes are our bodies going through and how do they align with the shifts the Earth is experiencing? ⁠
⁠
The inspiration for this season’s “Touching Earth” collection came from bell hooks’ chapter “Touching the Earth” in Belonging: A Culture of Place, which explores how we have been in relationship with the land, both historically and in the current moment. This collection of pieces explores everything from gardening and intergenerational environmental histories to herbalism and the astrology of the season. ⁠
⁠
As we see it, Black people cannot *not* be with the land. It’s where we come from and where we find healing. Check out the full “Touching Earth” collection at www.earthincolor.co.📸: Karjean Levine/Getty Images

In 1912, African American couple Willa and Charles

In 1912, African American couple Willa and Charles Bruce purchased a beautiful three-acre piece of costal land in Southern California’s Manhattan Beach. It didn’t take long for Bruce’s Beach to become a seaside haven for Black people who were barred from whites-only beaches. But in 1924, responding to the racist outcry of the predominantly white Manhattan Beach, the city’s Board of Trustees illegally condemned the Bruce family property. At the time, they claimed the land had been seized in order to construct a public park — however, it took another three decades before the park was actually built.⁠
⁠
Bruce’s Beach wasn’t returned to the ancestors of Willa and Charles until September 2021, after the California governor signed a law authorizing the return. And in June of this year, Los Angeles County agreed to an two-year lease with the Bruce family, making Bruce’s Beach only the second historically Black beach in the U.S. owned by African Americans. (The other is South Carolina’s Atlantic Beach, also known as “The Black Pearl.”) ⁠

As a wise corn kid once said "... but when I tried

As a wise corn kid once said "... but when I tried it with butter, everything changed!" 🤩 ⁠
⁠
Check out the full recipe for our Grilled Corn with Harissa Honey Butter in the EATS section at www.earthincolor.co 🌽

Nicole Snell is an avid solo traveler, self-defens

Nicole Snell is an avid solo traveler, self-defense instructor, and general lover of all things outdoors. As Nicole explains it, "my meditation comes from being active, from walking, from hiking, from being outside, from letting my mind wander. I get excited about nature and new things. For me that is what safety means: it is the freedom, the independence, and the joy that I can have when I’m experiencing the outdoors alone." As the CEO of @girlsfightback, the founder of Outdoor Defense, and a hike leader for @blackgirlstrekkin, she's dedicated her life to helping others find joy and feel safe in their own outdoor adventures.Swipe through for more from Nicole, and read her entire Community Spotlight in the link in our bio 🏕🚴🏾🛶

Have you seen that new @kelela? 👀😮‍💨😍 The music video for her single "Washed Away" was shot in the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia and we're obsessed. It's a must-watch!

Soak up the end of summer with our Strawberry Wate

Soak up the end of summer with our Strawberry Watermelon Cool-Me-Down, one of our summer EATS recipes. This easy-to-make drink is fresh and delicious—and a perfect way to use up the last of your watermelon. Visit the link in our bio for the full recipe 🍓🍉

Check out this week’s “Inspired By” recap in

Check out this week’s “Inspired By” recap in our Stories. What’s inspiring you on this beautiful Sunday?Images from:
@opulentbria
@farmerjawnphilly
@blackarchives.co
@zebablay
@taamooore
@renellaice via @traceeellisross
.
.
.
.
.#EICInspiredBy #nature #blackjoy #naturephotography #outdoors #backtoourroots #blackoutdoors #cookout #blackwomen #blackboyjoy #gardening #harvest #traceeellisross #plants #plantphotography #flowers #flowerarrangement

©2023 Earth in Color. All Rights Reserved.