Being a Voice for those in Need
Visiting South Beach in Miami, FL. Bustling streets, music blasting, people laughing, and just being part of such a great melting pot.
My community-based inquiry for my research project is the residents of Miami, Florida. My project will be researching how the environmental stressors of Miami, FL, are affecting the nearby communities. I wanted to narrow it down to ensure it was much more feasible to take place during my summer break. So, as a black woman in America, I knew I wanted to focus on the marginalized communities here in Miami-Dade County. Marginalized communities are defined as groups of people who experience systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and unequal access to resources, opportunities, or power within a society. Now, I wanted to put together a perspective on how these environmental stressors are continuing to grow each year. While it is affecting everyone who lives here, it has much more detrimental effects on marginalized communities. This is because they are truly disadvantaged in various spheres, such as political, economic, and housing. They are the indirect stakeholders because they are affected by flooding, extreme heat, and natural disasters like hurricanes. While the government agencies and real estate sectors are the direct stakeholders that are shaping and responding to the environmental stressors in Miami.
My connection comes from growing up in Miami, Florida, and seeing how much it has changed since I was a small child. Now, grant it, of course, things are subject to change due to improvements in technology, resources, and growing populations. But, it actually is changing for the worse in my opinion. Since leaving for college and coming back each break and seeing things change each time. From the nights being hot, traffic getting worse, stronger hurricanes, the Everglades being threatened, it’s all just changed so much in a short time. What truly led to me wanting to research this phenomenon further and truly think about what’s happening is that I found out other people felt the same way as me. From my personal family members agreeing that Miami has changed to friends and even strangers agreeing on the internet that the Miami we know is changing before our very eyes. It seems like we are growing up and going to college and shaping where we want to live, what we want in our communities, and overall, calling attention to issues that are affecting our livelihood.
I feel as if I bring forth the perspectives of those part of marginalized communities and environmental advocacy groups such as The CLEO Institute. The history of Black communities and other communities of color is known to be one of much trial and tribulation. To this day, these communities of color are underrepresented and are usually the indirect stakeholders in everything that happens. They are not in control of the laws that are passed, the construction of expensive infrastructure, and the rise of economic restraints as prices continue to rise. The perspectives that are missing would be the direct stakeholders, the government agencies in Miami, real estate companies, and their local organizations. They all have their reasons and possible solutions for the environmental stressors here in Miami. But, we are not part of their decision-making processes, and to get in is not a piece of cake. So, I want to bring the specific needs and wants of these diverse marginalized communities to demand change be done by those who were elected. These are extremely valuable because they are the majority that is suppressed. Many feel the same way, but due to a lack of change and restrictions, they give up and continue to live in communities whose needs are not met. We are the change, but without these local non-profits and their volunteers pushing for said change, many are subject to sit back and stay silent. I want to evolve from that group I used to be part of.
Meeting people who are also tired of sitting with the feeling of wanting change for themselves and their communities. We are hungry for change and advocating for those who are in community with us, who sadly cannot advocate for themselves to the extent we can. Volunteering with CLEO is full of women who are passionate about equality and equity for marginalized groups. I plan to maintain these relationships and connections beyond Global Scholars, as my research project is part of my lifestyle change. I want to implement the values, perspectives, and research skills I am developing over the summer with Global Scholars into my daily living throughout college and beyond. I want to grow through my research rather than let it remain confined to my Global Scholars experience.
HSF House Blogs 