Each One, Teach One Virtual Gallery – 2023 Update

Green City Force introduced the “Each One, Teach One” project on Juneteenth 2020 and updated the project this year, unveiling additional and updated honorees. The phrase “Each One, Teach One” is an African proverb that originated in the United States during the height of slavery when Africans were denied an education. When someone learned how to read or write, it became their responsibility to teach others to spread knowledge for the betterment of the community.

In the spirit of this principle, GCF’s “Each One, Teach One” project, originally led by Service Coordinators Justin Baker and Precious Colon, involved renaming the garden beds at each Eco-Hub in honor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) heroes and leaders that have supported the movement of equity & inclusion in environmental, social, and food justice movements.

This small act of reverence is engaging and inspiring our communities in learning about these leaders while providing space for folks to reclaim their history and be connected to the land that we serve in a deeper way. Corps Members, NYCHA residents and GCF staff were invited to submit diverse BIPOC leaders that include local heroes, ancestral heroes, folks who lost their lives to police brutality and other social injustices, as well as additional inspirational, change-making figures who they would like to be honored.

All the below BIPOC leaders are currently on display at GCF Eco-Hub farm beds but we wanted to bring the gallery to you! We invite you to learn about these individuals that have changed our world.