Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jerome Foster
AS I WALK through the neighborhoods of our cities, I can’t help but notice the disparities that exist not just in the structures that surround us, but in the very air we breathe. It’s not just about what’s there — it’s about what’s missing. In too many American communities, especially those that have been historically marginalized, trees are scarce, and the impact of their absence is both profound and deeply troubling.
This is where the concept of Tree Equity comes in, and why it matters more now than ever before. Tree Equity ensures every neighborhood, regardless of income, race or geography, has an equal share of the life-enhancing benefits that trees provide. It’s about recognizing that trees are not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy, vibrant community.
The importance of Tree Equity cannot be overstated. Trees do more than simply beautify our surroundings; they cool our streets, filter the air we breathe, and provide a sense of peace and wellbeing. In cities where asphalt and concrete dominate, trees offer a critical counterbalance to the heat and pollution that threaten the health and safety of residents.
Yet, in too many neighborhoods, particularly those where people of color and low-income families live, trees are few and far between.
As someone who grew up in Washington, D.C., I have always carried a keen awareness of the far-reaching impact of racial disparities on societal outcomes. This awareness has indelibly shaped my perspective on the world, fueling a strong commitment to addressing and rectifying systemic social inequities.
My role as American Forests’ Tree Equity Ambassador is one I take on with incredible commitment and enthusiasm knowing how deeply this work impacts the lives of those who see the vestiges of racism and societal neglect on their doorstep.
The Tree Equity movement is about impact — real, measurable outcomes which transform communities. For the past three years, I have had the honor of being appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. I have seen how investing in communities left behind is the most important work we can do because our society is only as advanced as the least among us.
The challenge before us is significant. Achieving Tree Equity requires a collective effort — from governments, businesses, community organizations and individuals. It requires a commitment to long-term planning and investment, and a recognition that the benefits of trees are too important to be overlooked or delayed. As I embark on this journey with American Forests, my goal is clear: to lead a movement that transforms our urban landscapes, ensuring that the moment we see on the streets today — the stark inequities and environmental challenges — is replaced by a moment of renewal, where our cities are revitalized for generations to come.
Jerome Foster writes from Los Angeles, and serves as American Forests’ Tree Equity ambassador.