SOLIDARITY RIDES
From Freedom Rides to Solidarity Rides
Freedom Riders in 1961.
The purpose of 'Solidarity Rides' is not just to tour frontline communities, but to strategically bring leaders together, in Solidarity to catalyze Environmental Justice.
Freedom Riders were groups of civil rights activists who participated in bus trips through the American South in 1961 to defeat inequality and Jim Crow. Freedom Riders employed various tactics such as using “whites-only” restrooms and sitting at lunch counter stations at segregated restaurants in Southern states. However, Freedom Riders drew international attention to the civil rights movement and inspired change.
Leaning on the essence of Freedom Rides, Solidarity Rides are experiences led by Environmental Justice leaders to bring together allies on a bus to come face-to-face with environmental injustices in their communities.
Solidarity Rides uplift frontline voices who outline solutions to pressing environmental health and community concerns.
Angleton, Texas
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, Solidarity Rides visited Angleton, Texas to highlight, amplify, and catalyze Environmental Justice voices, solutions, and strategies in the Gulf South. In particular, concerned citizens in Brazoria are raising a petition against Freeport LNG and Gulf Link.
Angleton, TX is a community located in the Gulf South, just outside of Houston. Located in Brazoria County, it is a community with a rich history and a strong and vibrant community spirit. But it is also an area where residents face extractive industries (like the petrochemical and oil and gas industries) that exacerbate the climate crisis and pollute their air, water, and environment in the process.
Frontline communities along the Gulf Coast are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, which resulted in widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages affecting nearly 3 million Texans. In the spirit of giving, roof tarps will be provided for homes in need. Additionally, backpacks and school supplies will be given to youth in partnership with Safe Diversity Communities, Texas Campaign for the Environment and First Missionary Baptist Church.
Louisville, Kentucky
On July 20, 2024, Counterstream Media and Black Appalachian Coalition hosted the BLAC Policy Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. During the summit, Counterstream organized its first Solidarity Ride which was a power-building experience under the theme of healing, convergence, resurgence, and justice.
Riders shared their stories, showcasing hope and strategies to achieve healing, food justice, and for overcoming environmental injustices specific to the region. The heavy petrochemical and coal mining industry presence in Appalachia have long been concerns for residents.
Along the Solidarity Ride route were stops at:
Food Literacy Project — whose mission is to see young people transforming their communities through food, farming, and the land.
Bear Fruit and Grow — a black owned food justice organization that creates pathways for food access, land acquisition, and distribution of resources.
Rubbertown — a cluster of chemical and petrochemical manufacturing facilities along the Ohio River front, in close proximity to homes, schools, and neighborhoods.