In a world where the earth is often seen merely as a commodity, a groundbreaking move was made on Black August 10th in the occupied Ohlone/Lisjan village of Huchiun, known to many as Oakland. Here, on a reclaimed part of Mama Earth, a unique act of resistance—called a Liberation Easement—was planted to challenge the existing paradigms of land commodification.
Reclaiming Sacred Ground
Under the guiding principles of the Liberation Easement, initiated by POOR Magazine alongside the members of Homefulness and the Sogorea Te Land Trust, this move aims to reverse centuries of land commodification. By permanently removing this parcel of land from the speculator’s market, it reinforces the ideology that land is holier than a mere market asset.
Voices of Resistance and Preservation
“This is more than a legal document; it’s a binding promise to respect and protect,” says Janelle Orsi of the Sustainable Economies Law Center. Words from the Declaration of Homefulness echo this sentiment: “We, the landless and houseless, are stewards, not owners. Mama Earth is not ours to claim but ours to safeguard.” According to 48 Hills, such initiatives hold the power to disrupt prevailing capitalist norms.
A Tribute to Indigenous Teachings
Indigenous peoples have long revered the land as sacred. The new Liberation Easement symbolizes a return to this spiritual and intimate relationship with the earth. It stands as a tribute to generations who believed in the inherent sacredness of nature and as a message against land commodification.
A Ceremonial Victory
The easement’s signing was more than a legal formality. It was enriched with prayers, offerings, and ancestral acknowledgments, reinforcing the cultural value and historical connection to the land. The ceremony will resonate in future projects, aiming to inspire similar movements across regions historically compromised by colonization.
A Model for Future Generations
Homefulness represents a template for homeless and poor communities around the world. It is an evolving model advocating for rent-free, sustainable housing solutions that empower communities to reclaim their agency and land stewardship.
An Invitation for Community Engagement
This initiative is more than an aspiration; it’s an actionable call for supporters worldwide to join in the fight for radical redistributive justice. Those interested in taking part can attend upcoming sessions on decolonization and degentriFUkation, set to transform individual actions into collective power.
Through resistance and ceremonious reconnection with the earth, the Liberation Easement marks a shift towards a fellowship with nature—reminding us all that liberation is a collective journey, demanding active participation from each of us every step of the way.