Dominique Drakeford was one of the first voices in the mainstream fashion space to unapologetically discuss the necessity for fashion systems to approach sustainability through the lens of decolonization. In her talk she introduces and unpacks her 3 main pillars of an un-sustainable system (policy, marketing and education) that’s rooted in anti-Black racism as the historical root of how the global fashion industry was created and has been maintained. Upon co-producing a special 6-part podcast series on Conscious Chatter called “The Root: Decolonizing the Sustainable Fashion Agenda” (featured in WWD, Fashionista & Forbes), she hones in on melanated voices across fashion supply chains. A future focused on people and planetary health requires a infrastructural rebuild and social paradigm shift that EQUITABLY centers Black and POC philosophy and practices while honing in on neo-colonial accountability.

The Black diaspora has a complex relationship with the wilderness. As descendants of chattel slavery - nature was literally weaponized against many Afro-Indigenous communities. However, before colonial take over, throughout history and event today - Black communities find refuge, spirituality, inspiration, joy and healing in various outdoor environmental. Despite the propaganda of Black communities not being invested in sustainability and environmentalism - African Americans created a blueprint for environmental justice across cultures and have been active land stewards for generations despite systems of oppression.

From Oakland, CA to Brooklyn, NY, Dominique has been a catalyst in building community both on the ground and digitally. She advocates for the importance of restoring the basis of community as a function of regenerative ecosystems. The climate crisis is a crisis of connection - and communities have the power to rebuild connecting and relationships amongst each other and with the environment.

Pregnancy-related mortality rates among Black women are over three times higher, compared to the rate for white women. There are stark racial disparities in maternal and infant health in the U.S. which is why this mother has decided to home-birth both of her children in her then Brooklyn apartment. New research shows the number of home births is up to the highest level in 30 years. As an advocate for alternative birthing systems, Dominique shares her low intervention and unmedicated birthing experiences (some of which was very challenging) alongside advocating against medical racism and amplifying the importance of maternity justice within sustainability discourse.

Food insecurity, the pharmaceutical industrial complex and mental health are all intersecting outcomes of food apartheid ecosystems that make nutrient dense foods inaccessible to targeted Black and brown communities. As a urban gardener and food justice advocate - Dominique speaks to the importance of composting, growing your own herbs and vegetables at home and supporting more local farmers markets. Whether you have a backyard, front yard, rooftop, window seal, fire escape or neighborhood garden - she discusses the importance of meeting folks where they’re at to inspire growing food as a form of resistance, justice and well-being.