Tyler Massias
Tyler Massias
“Much of my journey has been about cooperation and collaboration... using these two elements to provide a pathway towards a better future, not just for myself, but for those around me.”
Tyler initially joined the movement for climate and environmental justice by meeting and work with diverse groups of people from varying backgrounds to accomplish similar goals, while acknowledging and reconciling differences and disagreements, and subsequently working past them. Tyler works to build authentic partnerships between community partners and fellow activists/organizers. This is exhibited in the work he does with Black Farmers in the DMV and through his own organization, Unity Coalition Movement.
His work is also largely informed by his personal experiences. Tyler identifies as Black and Queer, which informs his work and his efforts when advocating for broader policy-making or organizing. Justice and equity are almost always at the forefront of Tyler’s mind, especially when it comes to making decisions.
Tyler is both a visionary and a creator, and not so much in a conventional sense. Tyler creates spaces for sharing ideas, hope, healing, and consolation in the most existential of times.
Tyler wishes to simply live authentically and as close to what he feels can be deemed as purposeful, aligning his work with continuing to contribute to a process of planetary and community healing. Tyler explains that, “while many may not agree with these perspectives or even the work that we do at Earth Guardians. Even in instances where hope seems dim - we must keep faith in ourselves and one another with our eyes towards the long goal that our efforts will not be in vain.” He goes on to explain, “our efforts will be recorded, if not in this material world alongside change-makers who have and are doing the work, then perhaps in a more metaphysical or spiritual sense.” This touches on the essence of courage required to continue leading in the climate and environmental justice movement. In spite of the very real obstacles Tyler and others in the movement face and recognize, Tyler is committed to push the needle towards change, in the benefit of healthy communities.
Tyler is inspired by the young folks he is surrounded by, doing phenomenal things, and the even minute possibility that the future can be something totally different from what we know the world to be today. And that, at every moment, there is a possibility to creating lasting change.
Tyler has provided the keynote for the Black Agrarians event at American University, has been featured in the media, and has provided a keynote for March for Our Lives Shelton. He has represented Earth Guardians in panel conversations and as a speaker. He has facilitated many spaces for conversation for AU NAACP, assisted in Sunrise leadership, and has served as a co-director for a nonprofit.