Recognizing the ecological transformation affecting us all, Colette Pichon Battle embodies courage and joy in societal leadership.
Emphasizing the impact of climate crisis on migration patterns and ecosystem health, advocating for community connections and equitable recovery.
Urging for a shift towards prioritizing humanity, equality, and environmental stewardship, confronting climate crisis with love and community building.
Deep dives
Pilgrimage Down the Mississippi River
Organizing a seven-month pilgrimage from the headwaters in Minnesota to the mouth in Louisiana for black and native women, focusing on rituals, indigenous conversations, and community connections along the river with a deep spiritual approach.
Interconnection of Climate Crisis and Migration
Exploring the impact of the climate crisis on migration patterns, discussing internal emigration in the US and the effects of industrial farming, fertilizer runoff, and climate gentrification on the ecosystem and communities.
Challenges to Accompanying Each Other
Emphasizing the importance of connecting through shared values and humanity to accompany one another, acknowledging differences and respecting individual choices, promoting liberation and freedom in relationships to foster understanding and respect.
Sadness and Hope
Expressing sadness over the undervaluation of feminine energy and care economy, highlighting the need to respect and honor the feminine aspect in society. Finding hope in the creativity and freedom of the next generation, believing in their potential to bring innovative solutions to address the challenges ahead.
Courage in Facing Climate Crisis
Advocating for courage to confront the climate crisis, recognizing the power of love, patience, and community building in effecting positive change. Urging for a shift in mindset and actions towards prioritizing humanity, equality, and environmental stewardship.
Reflection on Climate Justice
Reflecting on the importance of acknowledging privilege, remorse, and responsibility in addressing environmental issues. Challenging societal norms and structures to prioritize equity, justice, and collective well-being over profit-driven motives. Advocating for a mindset shift towards holistic and humane approaches to sustainability and climate action.
There is an ecological transformation unfolding in the places we love and come from. On a front edge of this reality which will affect us all, Colette Pichon Battle is a singular model of brilliance and graciousness of mind and spirit and action. And to be with her is to open to the way the stories we tell have blunted us to the courage we’re called to, and the joy we must nurture, as life force and fuel for the work ahead. As a young woman, she left her home state of Louisiana and land to which her family belonged for generations, to go to college and become a powerful lawyer in Washington, D.C. Then in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina made, as she has said, "a crack in the universe," she returned home to a whole new life and calling. Colette Pichon Battle is a vivid embodiment of the new forms societal shift is taking in our world — led by visionary pragmatists close to the ground, in particular places, persistently and lovingly learning and leading the way for us all.
Colette Pichon Battle is Co-founder and Vision & Initiatives Partner for Taproot Earth, a global organization which has emerged from the Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy that she founded and led in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She and her colleagues are influencing manifold aspects of our ecological present, including equitable disaster recovery and global migration, community economic development and energy democracy.
This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode "Colette Pichon Battle — On Knowing What We're Called To." Find the transcript for that show at onbeing.org.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
