recycle + reinvest
Our STORY
RECYCLE + REINVEST
Recycle & Reinvest was born from the desire to change the narrative—to turn waste into opportunity, to transform neglected spaces into thriving hubs of creativity, and to reinvest in communities that have been overlooked for too long.
Our story is deeply personal—shaped by the founders' experiences of growing up in the vibrant, diverse neighborhoods of Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, and Brooklyn, New York. These cities shaped our understanding of community, resilience, and the transformative power of art. From the soulful rhythms of Nashville's music scene to the cultural mosaic of Brooklyn's streets, we’ve learned firsthand how creative expression can spark change and strengthen the fabric of a community.
Growing up, we saw how environmental neglect and social disparities often intersected, with our surrounding communities, who historically bear the brunt of pollution, urban decay, and limited resources. This reality fueled our passion for both environmental sustainability and social equity.
As a collective of artists, activists, and environmental advocates, we are committed to using creativity and sustainability to rebuild and uplift our neighborhoods. We use art as a tool for education, bringing awareness to environmental justice. By blending art with activism, we are dedicated to cultivating a sense of ownership, pride, and collective responsibility for our environment and each other.
Our roots
Empowering youth-led Environmental Justice through engagement & Music
The B4L movement finds its roots in a shared vision that emerged among friends who deeply cared about their community and the environment. The founders, Jaffee Judah, Dron Alexander, Joseph Bazelais, and Droski Dro, known as The Generals, witnessed firsthand the cyclical patterns of inequality faced by under-served and surveilled neighborhoods of North Nashville. Moved by their passion for change, they formulated a plan to harness their collective talents to uplift the community through music and environmental stewardship.
Inspired by iconic influences from the East Coast hip-hop scene, the founders recognized music's transformative power. This inspired the creation of the BANG 4 LIBERATION initiative, which merges hip-hop culture with advocacy for environmental justice.
Their joint efforts culminated in the establishment of the B.4.L REINVESTMENT ARMY, and with time 12 new B.4.L Generals emerged, committed to leading this transformative movement. With their collective action and belief in a better future, the Generals mobilized support for environmental justice initiatives, empowering the local youth to become catalysts for change, seeding Recycle + Reinvest.
Check out our YouTube for more insight on the Recycle + Reinvest movement in our community!
brief history of recycle + reinvest
2013-2018
The Birth of
Community Activism
After serving 6.5 years in prison, Jaffee Judah returned to East Nashville determined to reshape his community.
Drawing from personal experiences and the observable decline of his childhood environment, he began cleaning up his neighborhood, believing that environmental responsibility could help combat crime and foster community unity.
In October 2018, alongside Kamitia Wilson and Joseph Bazelais, he founded Recycle & Reinvest after dedicating time to beautification workshops and educating the public about sustainable living.
Initially known as the Lischey Ave Street Sweepers, this milestone established the foundation for youth mentorship and the initiative to collect recyclables in low-income housing areas.
2019-2022
Resilience Amidst Crisis
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating tornado in Nashville challenged Recycle & Reinvest to adapt and serve their community in new ways.
During this tumultuous period, the organization teamed up with 200 Man Stand to provide care packages and financial assistance to families in need.
They also launched pilot programs such as the Eco Drip Leadership Learning Zone and Eco Hip Hop workshops, aimed at promoting youth leadership and community engagement.
While these initiatives faced hurdles, they fostered community connections and prepared volunteers to take on leadership roles, culminating in a dedicated cadre of ambassadors for the movement.
2023-
Expanding Environmental Stewardship
In 2023, Jaffee Judah and Keith Benion took on the role of plant captains for Root Nashville, planting 40 trees in South Nashville. This experience inspired the evolution of
Recycle & Reinvest to amplify its engagement with environmental stewardship beyond litter cleanup to include tree planting initiatives.
The establishment of the Soil Soldiers program, designed to empower justice-impacted youth, showcased the organization’s dedication to addressing environmental racism and educating the community about sustainable practices.This milestone marks Recycle & Reinvest as a leading example for other organizations in advocating for environmental justice through community activism.
looking ahead
Vision for the Future
As Recycle & Reinvest continues to grow, the organization aims to expand its programming and outreach efforts to reach more communities across Nashville and beyond.
Plans are in place to enhance the Soil Soldiers program, incorporating more hands-on leadership initiatives and educational workshops focusing on sustainable practices, environmental justice, and the importance of green spaces in urban communities.
Through collaboration with local schools, organizations, and businesses, Recycle & Reinvest envisions a future where young leaders are equipped to champion environmental stewardship, ultimately transforming their neighborhoods into havens of health and wellness.
meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our team is deeply rooted in the communities we serve, bringing first-hand experience, insight, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Many of our staff members have lived and worked in the neighborhoods affected by environmental injustice, giving them a unique understanding of the challenges we face—and the drive to create lasting change.
We are neighbors, advocates, and activists. Our hands-on experience with local environmental injustice fuels our passion for sustainable solutions, and it’s this shared connection that drives us to work harder every day for a better, more equitable future for our communities.
Meet the dedicated individuals who are working tirelessly to bring positive change:
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
This is your Team section. It's a great place to introduce your team and talk about what makes it special, such as your culture or work philosophy. Don't be afraid to illustrate personality and character to help users connect with your team.
Join Our Team
Make a Difference
Be part of a passionate team dedicated to sustainability. We are hiring various positions including:
Event Coordinator to organize engaging activities
Director of Strategy + Outreach to drive our mission forward
Grant Manager to secure funding for impactful projects
Board Members to help guide current + future initiatives
Reach out with your resume for more information on our available positions!