Voices from the Green Justice, Black Lawyers Webinar: Navigating Eco-Advocacy and Wellbeing
The Coaching Corner had the pleasure of attending the "Green Justice, Black Lawyers: A Discussion Around Eco-Advocacy, Environmental Wellness, & Wellbeing," webinar which held a panel of distinguished speakers who shed light on the intersection of environmental justice, legal advocacy, and personal wellbeing. Hosted by the Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL), the event provided a platform for insightful discussions and reflections on the challenges and opportunities faced by black lawyers in the field of environmental justice.
The panel featured prominent figures with diverse backgrounds and expertise:
Gwen Keyes Fleming: An environmental lawyer and former Chief of Staff at EPA.
R. Javoyne Hicks: Chief of Staff at KnotFree Living LLC, IWIL Board of Directors member, and VP of DEI.
Ebony H. Griffin-Guerrier: Senior Legislature Counsel at Earthjustice.
Marvin C. Brown IV: Senior Attorney at the D.C. Regional Office of Earthjustice.
Jacquesline Walker: Founder & CEO of The Well Firm.
Throughout the webinar, the speakers emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic approach to lawyer wellbeing, especially within the context of environmental advocacy. Javoyne Hicks highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of wellbeing, beyond just physical health, to effectively navigate the challenges in the legal profession.
Gwen Keyes Fleming shared her experiences in translating and educating at the EPA, stressing the significance of policy impact and community empowerment in environmental work. Jacquesline Walker emphasized the toll that such demanding roles can take on individuals, particularly highlighting the concept of vicarious trauma.
Vicarious trauma, often referred to as secondary trauma or compassion fatigue, is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals are repeatedly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, leading to emotional and psychological distress. In the context of environmental advocacy, particularly for black lawyers engaged in issues of environmental justice, vicarious trauma can manifest in profound ways.
As these lawyers navigate the complexities of advocating for communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm, they are constantly confronted with the harsh realities of environmental degradation, community displacement, and systemic injustice. Ebony H. Griffin-Guerrier discussed the personal nature of these issues for environmental lawyers, particularly concerning the disproportionate impact on black communities. Witnessing the struggles and injustices faced by marginalized communities, especially those of color, can take a significant toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Marvin C. Brown IV reflected on the importance of self-care and community support in maintaining mental health while advocating for environmental justice. In turn, each panelist shared personal practices that have helped them support their mental health and well-being.
Firstly, adopting mindfulness techniques such as slow breathing exercises can be instrumental in calming the mind and nervous system amidst the daily stresses and pressures of the workplace. Taking intentional moments to pause, breathe, and center oneself can provide a much-needed respite from the intensity of the work.
The experience of being the only woman and or person of color in professional spaces can be isolating and emotionally taxing. It's essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or affinity groups. Surrounding oneself with individuals who share a passion for addressing systemic issues and fostering a sense of community can provide a supportive network to lean on during challenging times.
Engaging in acts of service and advocacy, no matter how small, can also serve as a source of empowerment and fulfillment. Asking oneself, "What can I do today to make someone's life better?" can provide a sense of purpose and agency in effecting positive change within and beyond the workplace.
Staying informed and educated about environmental issues and social justice can also be empowering. By keeping the fight for equity and justice at the forefront of one's mind, individuals can navigate their roles with a deeper sense of purpose and resilience.
Journaling can be a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions and experiences that may otherwise weigh heavily on the mind. Taking the time to write down thoughts and feelings can help in gaining clarity, releasing pent-up emotions, and finding moments of solace amidst the chaos.
Engaging in physical activities like biking to work or participating in community-building initiatives outside of work can provide much-needed outlets for stress relief and rejuvenation. Avoiding negative media consumption, known as "doom scrolling," can also contribute to mental wellbeing by limiting exposure to distressing news and content.
Advocating for environmental health and wellness without succumbing to burnout or vicarious trauma requires a delicate balance. Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support are essential strategies for maintaining resilience and effectiveness in high-stress professions.
Feeling a sense of significance and belonging in professional spaces as a black lawyer in the environmental justice field can be an ongoing struggle, particularly in an environment where individual needs often take a backseat to professional demands. The pervasive notion that "everyone comes before you" in the legal profession can contribute to feelings of invisibility and marginalization, especially when compounded by experiences of microaggressions and the expectation to work twice as hard to prove one's worth.
Despite these challenges, there are moments when black lawyers find validation and recognition for their contributions, often from the communities they serve. Being "seen" by clients, who acknowledge and appreciate the impact of their work, can be a powerful affirmation of one's value and significance in the field. Recognizing the broader community that is affected by their efforts serves as a reminder of the meaningful contributions black lawyers make to advancing environmental justice and equity.
Looking towards the future of environmental justice, black lawyers express a profound desire for systemic change and greater representation within the field. The stark reality that decisions affecting environmental health disproportionately impact black communities underscores the urgency of their advocacy. They envision a future where disparities in life expectancy based on zip codes are eradicated, where grassroots movements have significant power and influence, and where young black individuals are actively engaged and invested in the environmental justice space.
By amplifying their voices and advocating for inclusive policies and practices, black lawyers in the environmental justice field aim to leave a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and transformative change. They seek to inspire future generations to embrace the intersectionality of environmental advocacy and social justice, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all communities.
The webinar served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental advocacy, personal wellbeing, and social justice. By amplifying the voices and experiences of black lawyers, it provided valuable insights and inspiration for fostering a more inclusive and resilient environmental justice movement.
As we reflect on the discussions from the "Green Justice, Black Lawyers" webinar, let us continue to support and uplift the voices of those advocating for a more just and sustainable future for all.
-The Coaching Corner Team
