“Children are the wisdom of the nation.” — African proverb
My daughter’s love for nature grew from the moment she could walk. Living in a bustling city, my connection to the environment has always been mixed. I marveled at nature’s resilience amid sky-high buildings. Yet, I also heard countless warnings: “Stay out of the heat” or “Put on your shoes!” When my daughter turned four, she asked for binoculars to watch birds. I couldn’t say no. She later expressed interest in coral reefs, so I enrolled her in the Tennessee Aquatic Project. Her curiosity about fresh produce led us to the Youth Food Justice program at Brooklyn Heights Community Garden. Now that she’s 11, she’s part of the Cumberland River Compact’s Youth Climate Cohort. Together, they raise awareness of sustainability among local restaurants and develop workshops on biodiversity for homeschooling families.
I can’t help but feel proud, but more than that, my daughter’s joyful explorations reawakened my dormant love for nature. Through her engagement in climate advocacy, I found myself learning too.
Reflecting back to my childhood in Baltimore during the 1990s, I remember the stark differences in air quality. The air in my neighborhood, often thick with pollution, contrasted sharply with the clearer skies of more affluent areas. Many Black communities, like mine, faced severe air quality issues due to industrial pollution, and respiratory illnesses were common. Unfortunately, our concerns were frequently brushed aside, labeled as just the cost of urban living.
Years ago, I was given the chance to report on these environmental disparities for my high school newspaper, but I chickened out, opting for safer topics. Yet, those memories stayed with me.
When I moved to Nashville almost 15 years ago, I noticed similar issues here. As the city underwent rapid development, I began to question its impact on low-income neighborhoods. My daughter’s curious questions about climate change and fairness reignited my interest in these historical patterns of neglect. I found myself asking: How can I support my child’s curiosity? How can I amplify the voices of those affected by environmental policies?
These questions have led me to the 2026 Altavoz Community Reporting Fellowship in partnership with the Nashville Banner. I’ll explore how residents in North Nashville are advocating for environmental justice, particularly in light of new protections from the Environmental Protection Agency. This work will contribute to the Banner’s ZIP Code Project and will culminate in a comprehensive story and community event.
As a mother and a lifelong learner, I believe every child deserves a just, safe, and nurturing world. My reporting will not just highlight North Nashville’s fight for clean air; it will also inspire my children to connect with their environment.
For more context on air quality issues faced by marginalized communities, consider looking into the recent report by the EPA that outlines disparities in air pollution exposure. This resource emphasizes the continuing challenges many communities face and highlights the importance of grassroots advocacy.
This article first appeared in the Nashville Banner and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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air quality,Baltimore,Baltimore City College High School,Brooklyn Heights Community Garden,Inside the newsroom,Nashville Banner,Newsroom,North Nashville
