Colette Pichon Battle — “Placed Here, In This Calling”

Storm Resilience

Colette Pichon Battle shares her childhood experiences of facing storms in the Gulf Coast, highlighting the communal resilience that comes with it. She describes how hurricanes were once a time for family gatherings, where fear was mitigated by the presence of loved ones who knew exactly when to be afraid 1. This generational knowledge is fading, as new residents lack the understanding of these natural events, which have also become more unpredictable.

We're losing generations of people who know the anatomy of these things, and we're getting new people into our space who have no clue what a hurricane is.

--- Colette Pichon Battle

This loss of knowledge is concerning, as it leaves communities vulnerable to the changing nature of storms 1.

   

Local Impact

Colette's journey from aspiring global diplomat to local climate activist underscores the power of acting locally while thinking globally. Initially dreaming of international justice, she found her calling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, realizing that the principles she studied applied directly to her community 2. Her work with the Gulf Coast Center for Law and Policy exemplifies this blend of local insight and global ambition.

I want to represent the United States on the global stage, around right and around justice. I want to be in the world.

--- Colette Pichon Battle

Returning home, she leveraged her education to empower her community, breaking down complex legal documents and advocating for equitable disaster recovery 3.

   

Pilgrimage

The Sacred Waters Pilgrimage, led by Colette, was a spiritual journey along the Mississippi River, connecting Black and Native women through shared rituals and conversations. This pilgrimage highlighted the environmental and social issues affecting communities along the river, fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration 4. Participants engaged in ceremonies and dialogues, addressing the impact of industrial farming and fossil fuels on the river's ecosystem.

We took some time to address the tensions between Black and indigenous people and apologize to each other for what being colonized did to both of us.

--- Colette Pichon Battle

These powerful exchanges aimed to repair historical tensions and promote unity, allowing for collective action towards environmental justice 4.