Sunday
Dec142008
NY Times Features Majora Carter-Addresses Detractors
Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 9:33AM Gina, The Blogmother
The NY TImes did a multipage feature written by Marguerite Holloway about environmental activist Majora Carter.
Read the entire thing, its good. it talks about the double edged sword tha tis media attention (Don't I know it) While she's gotten attention for her causes, she's also drawn criticism ( I'm shocked!), but she's philosophical about it.
Cosign! Cosign! Cosign!
Some one recently emailed me in distress because they had done something with good intentions and the response to their efforts was negative. The negative response distracted them, robbed them of their voice, and made them reluctant to keep speaking out. Been there. Done that. Currently writing a book about it.
Keep on trucking Majora.
In just over a decade, Ms. Carter, 42, has vaulted from working as a volunteer for what was a nascent organization called the Point Community Development Corporation and knowing almost nothing about environmental issues to becoming a nationally known advocate for environmental justice.
Her reputation was burnished in 2005 when she won a MacArthur Foundation award for her work at the Point and at Sustainable South Bronx, a nonprofit organization she founded after leaving the Point in 2001.
Ms. Carter’s recognition of the link between environmental improvement and economic revitalization set the stage for her national prominence. NY Times
Read the entire thing, its good. it talks about the double edged sword tha tis media attention (Don't I know it) While she's gotten attention for her causes, she's also drawn criticism ( I'm shocked!), but she's philosophical about it.
But Ms. Carter has not gotten where she is by sitting quietly.
“There is a light that comes to this community because of what I have done,” she said, her usual moxie restored. “I am in a completely different milieu right now, and if I didn’t take advantage of that, then I would be a fool. If I wasn’t flipping out about being away so much, I would be at the Clinton Global Initiative right now. Because I could do that. Because I know there are people there who would like to talk to me.
“That is what I do,” Ms. Carter said. “Am I supposed to feel guilty because I have those advantages?” NY Times
Cosign! Cosign! Cosign!
Some one recently emailed me in distress because they had done something with good intentions and the response to their efforts was negative. The negative response distracted them, robbed them of their voice, and made them reluctant to keep speaking out. Been there. Done that. Currently writing a book about it.
Keep on trucking Majora.
Reader Comments (6)
What a positive story!
And yes, folks just love to hate on anyone successful.
Going green is the new technology and energy source that we must get involved with. This is a highly untapped market and it would be phenomenal if we could lead the way. Just imagine if we can start new business by installing solar powered electro cells and other sources of electric power. Finding new sustainable energy sources that use grain and sugar cane like they do in energy independent Brazil. America is still behind the curve on this one.
I am still trying to find my "make-a-difference" spot in the world...
Great Story and very inspirational
Ms. Carter could have easily taken a cushy job in a more "Greener" city, but she decided to return to her hometown of the BX (and mine) to put in work. The entire time she has fought an uphill battle. Really she has been fighting her way UP A BUILDING with no rope.
I have returned home and have witnessed her work. the sister is straight gully. She gets almost no support from the city government. But still she pushes on.
I have tried to convince some of my brethren (they know who they are) to throw their support behind her. But my advice has fallen on deaf ears.
I am thankful that folks in my family have done what they could
she is a super hero and one of the many people who make a difference but get no love.
it's a damn shame...
@ Brotheromi. She definitly get's love, you may not see it, but a lot of people have an incredible amount of respect for her and her work -- in city government and in the community. Some of her detractors are fellow members of the enviormental justice movement who feel her compelling personal story has overshadowed the collaborative nature of her work and the coalition, thus not bringing back the resources and attention to the work of the other members of the movement who are doing just as impressive work in other parts of the city. However, it's natural for a person to take advantage of the oppourtunities that are afforded to them. People have to use their talents in the most effective way possible. She's moved on, but the movement continues and her attention can only help raise awareness, while other groups continue the groundwork.
It's nice to see a sister getting national press for something of this nature. Woman and black woman in particular always end up being the caretakers for neighborhoods and the people that hold them together, but they never get the recognition or reap the personal benefits that come with it. People are sometimes thrown off when were not comepletely "selfless" and for once in a while, look out for our own interest.