Voices From the Edge (Episode 2), Bumper-Sticker Deep Justice: A Black Veteran's Vermont
Welcome to Voices from the Edge
This second of our six-part series continues to amplify the stories and wisdom of neighbors living on society’s margins. At Green Mountain Justice, we believe that those most affected by injustice and inequity are the ones who hold the keys to solutions—and their voices deserve to be heard.
Our second episode features Jerome Hazelwood, whose story powerfully challenges Vermont to live up to its proclaimed values.
Jerome is a Black veteran navigating homelessness, profound loss, and systemic barriers that reveal the gap between our state’s progressive image and the lived reality for BIPOC neighbors. When Jerome lost his partner Karen, he found himself sleeping on the floor of a town gazebo—one of the eight times more likely Black Vermonters are to experience homelessness despite representing just 1% of our population.
Vermont’s homeownership rate tells an even starker story: 72% for white households but just 21% for Black households—the 5th-highest racial disparity in the nation. Jerome’s search for stability isn’t just about shelter. It’s about access to the wealth-building opportunity that has been systematically blocked from reaching Black families through decades of discriminatory policies.
Despite everything Jerome has endured, he has chosen to speak out—testifying in Montpelier, writing op-eds, and advocating for others experiencing homelessness. His story reveals not just individual resilience, but the systems that create and perpetuate inequality.
🎧 Listen: Voices From the Edge-Episode 2: Bumper Sticker Deep Justice: A Black Veteran’s Vermont
Jerome’s journey embodies what we know at Green Mountain Justice: proximity to suffering reveals crucial insights for justice and healing. His voice continues our commitment to sharing conversations that center the experiences of neighbors whose stories demand to be heard.
*Join us for future episodes of Voices from the Edge as we continue amplifying the wisdom of those whose lived experiences illuminate paths toward beloved community.*
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*If today’s conversation moved you, we invite you to support our work. You can learn more about Green Mountain Justice and make a donation at greenmountainjustice.org. Every contribution helps us continue creating connections, fostering relationships of caring, and fighting for justice and equity across Vermont. *
