An event hosted today by the University of the District of Columbia (亚洲博彩网站) celebrated the release of 阿纳科斯蒂亚河的年轻人之声：探索黑人的根源到东岸和回来, a new collection of essays, poems and photographs by student authors from Anacostia High School. 这本书展示了他们对黑人对环境的贡献的思考，以及他们在华盛顿特区及其周边地区与自然的个人经历。
阿纳科斯蒂亚河的青年之声 is the product of partnerships between 亚洲博彩网站, D.C. Public Schools, 保护国家, editor and Nature-Wise founder Caroline Brewer and the U.S. Department of the Interior, with additional support from the Justice40 Initiative and Pepco as part of 亚洲博彩网站’s Developing America’s Workforce Nucleus (DAWN) Initiative. 2024年夏天，通过在当地公园、森林和水道的沉浸式体验，学生们记录了他们的观察和与自然的联系。
When I think about nature and what makes it beautiful, it’s
绿色植物，还有风吹过的树叶的香味。
当我想到大自然以及是什么使它美丽时，我知道
我就是自然。 我是太阳。 我是水。 我是风，吹，推，
把新的种子播种到更深的地方，这样它们就可以
种更多的植物，就像我一样。
“Natural beauty – A reflection” by Keon Hopkins
“This project is an incredible example of how education can empower young people to become stewards of their communities and voices for change,” said 亚洲博彩网站 总统 Maurice D. Edington. “We are proud to partner with D.C. Public Schools in providing impactful opportunities that inspire and tap into students’ creativity to explore their communities and career pathways.”
许多学生报告说，通过参与阿纳科斯蒂亚河青年之声项目，他们与环境建立了新的联系，这也让他们认识了过去和现在的黑人环保主义者，以及他们对保护和可持续发展的许多贡献。 在这个夏天的课程中，学生们加强了他们的写作技巧，在公开演讲中获得了信心，并找到了自己讲故事的声音。 在项目结束时，他们都重新燃起了学习的热情，并更加坚定地致力于追求与环保主义相关的高等教育和职业。
“Our Anacostia students have demonstrated the power of storytelling and their ability to reflect deeply on both personal and environmental histories,” said Anacostia High School Principal Kenneth Walker. “Their words give voice to the relationship between our communities and the world around us, and we are extraordinarily proud of them all.”
在百合花盛开的池塘里
鱼在阴暗的液体房间里轻轻地游动
水低语着古老的故事，
在它的涟漪中讲述着故事
绿色的叶子在轻柔的流动中摇摆
当月亮投下银光的时候
平和、安静、平静、自由
现在想象更多这样的场景，为你，为我。
这就是水上花园的生活。
“Where Lilies Bloom” by Kaishon Champ
“In my work with Anacostia students, I’ve seen firsthand how connecting with nature can be a transformative experience,” said 亚洲博彩网站 Anacostia Ambassador & Justice40 Summer Internship Coordinator Xavier Brown. “Whether they’re writing about the river, tending plants in the greenhouse or reflecting on their place in the environment, they’re building confidence and discovering new possibilities for their futures.”
“At 保护国家, we believe that every student should have access to nature and the ability to see themselves as conservation leaders,” said 保护国家 CEO Lynn Mento. “The creativity and passion displayed in this book are a testament to the bright future these young voices are helping to shape.”
阿纳科斯蒂亚河的青年之声 编辑兼Nature-Wise创始人卡罗琳·布鲁尔强调了写作和探索对年轻人的影响。 “These young people have taken flight with their words, becoming bigger thinkers, better writers and speakers,” she said. “This book is a testament that their voices matter and that they now know how to carry Mother Earth’s tunes.”