Moms Clean Air Force, a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on environmental advocacy, is driven by scientific research and a heartfelt mission to safeguard clean air and enhance children’s health. Their outreach program, EcoMadres, specifically targets the Latino community, aiming to raise awareness about the pressing issues of climate disruption, air pollution, and toxic chemicals. Through engaging educational initiatives, they empower families to actively participate in actions that contribute to a healthier future for themselves and their children, using the universal language of music as a powerful tool for connection and motivation.
Recognizing the alarming statistic that Latinos in the United States are disproportionately affected by climate change, the innovative initiative known as EcoMusica was launched to address these disparities and foster community resilience.
The EcoMusica project features the talented group SonTierra, a diverse ensemble of Latino musicians whose name translates to “we are the Earth.” Their performances deliver messages of hope and encourage audiences to engage with their legislators and local leaders. The music presented at their outreach events encapsulates a variety of cherished Latin music styles, including cumbia, banda, bolero, merengue, balada, and Andean folk, making each performance a vibrant celebration of culture and community.
SonTierra is set to perform at the annual EcoMadres Summit in Las Vegas on September 12, as shared by Moms Clean Air Force with Billboard Family, showcasing their commitment to environmental advocacy through music.
So, who is SonTierra? This multi-generational band boasts members ranging from ages 11 to 64, representing a rich tapestry of backgrounds. The ensemble includes musicians like Edgar East (Panamanian), Edgar Solís (Mexican), Gabriela Valdivia (U.S.-born with a Brazilian mother and Mexican father), Karen Stein (Colombian), Leo Roldán (Argentinean), Marián Vivas (Venezuelan), Stephanie Rivera (Cuban), Valentina Weihe (U.S.-born with a Mexican mother and Puerto Rican father), Valery Figueroa (Venezuelan), and Víctor Lara (Mexican).
“I envisioned SonTierra as an inclusive group that features youth and children performing at a professional level, as we are advocating for their future,” says Stein, who both performs and manages the group, in an interview with Billboard Family. “To truly connect with Latino communities, we must engage in a collaborative musical experience rather than just performing at them. By incorporating individuals from various generations and ethnic backgrounds, we aim to foster a sense of belonging, ensuring that communities can identify and resonate with the performers on stage.”
The talented musicians of SonTierra released an inspiring album titled EcoMadres on Earth Day 2023. This 12-track collection predominantly features songs in Spanish, with some bilingual tracks, showcasing a blend of original compositions and covers. Music enthusiasts can stream the album on SoundCloud to experience its rich messages and melodies.
Stein contributed to nine of the album’s twelve tracks, each addressing critical issues such as climate change, air pollution, ecosystem destruction, environmental justice, and the importance of taking action while finding hope in challenging circumstances.
Among the powerful tracks on EcoMadres is “Mama,” inspired first by Stein’s own mother, who sang to her, and later by the plight of Mother Earth. The poignant lyrics express the urgent need to listen to the Earth’s suffering: “Hoy este arrullo es para la madre tierra/ Que tiene fiebre, que tiene fiebre y no la escuchan, no la escuchan/ En su agonía, en su agonía” (“Today this lullaby is for Mother Earth/ She has a fever, she has a fever/ And we aren’t hearing her agony”).
Additional tracks on the album include “Corrido p’al Congreso” (“A Corrido for Congress”), which delivers a mariachi-style message to the U.S. government, and “Legado” (“Legacy”), reflecting children’s perspectives on their future through the romantic style of bolero. Another notable track, “El pico del tucán” (“The Toucan’s Peak”), features a lively cumbia beat and addresses the complex relationship between human desires and the Earth’s needs for sustenance.
Stein, who hails from Colombia, serves as the Iowa field coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres, and she considers music to be an integral part of her identity and heritage.
Growing up on a rural farm, Stein attributes her musical passion to her upbringing. In a conversation with Billboard Family, she highlights the isolation of her childhood environment, devoid of electricity, which allowed her to focus intently on the sounds surrounding her, including the songs of nature, animals, and the gentle hums of farmers singing to their cows.
Stein fondly recalls her mother, a trained classical pianist, who humorously transported a piano to their isolated farm, nurturing her musical talents from a young age.
As a child, Stein quickly exhibited musical ability, and her mother recognized this talent early on, harmonizing with her and developing her ear for melody.
Eventually, her family moved to Costa Rica, where Stein pursued music lessons and performed with the Costa Rican Symphony Choir. Her dedication earned her a scholarship to attend Grinnell College in Iowa. During this time, she immersed herself in traditional guitar techniques influenced by a vibrant community of Latin-American artists residing in San José amid a politically charged atmosphere marked by military dictatorships in the region during the 1970s.
Reflecting on her experiences, Stein shares that her journey into music was deeply intertwined with the political climate of Latin America, shaping her understanding and connection to various Latin music styles. “I initially studied biology and French. After earning my master’s in the sciences and horticulture, I decided to return to music and commit myself to a full-time career in this field,” she explains, highlighting how her rural upbringing and the political landscape influenced her artistic path.
Stein expresses a strong sense of belonging to music, stating, “It’s been home again to go back to music,” as she leads Artes Latinas, a consortium of diverse musical ensembles.
Since 2019, Stein has been actively engaged with Moms Clean Air Force, which later invited her to join the EcoMadres initiative, recognizing the vital role of music in their mission.
“This group of women is incredibly powerful,” Stein shares with Billboard Family, emphasizing their unique balance of compassion and intellect. “Our work revolves around children, which keeps us open and vulnerable, allowing us to approach our environmental advocacy with both purpose and professionalism. This combination is truly impactful.”
Stein highlights the unifying power of music within the Latino community, regardless of whether individuals still speak Spanish or Portuguese. “The diversity of Latin America is immense, but music strikes a chord with everyone on a deep, emotional level,” she asserts.
The live performances of EcoMusica at community outreach events addressing the climate crisis serve as an essential tool for building trust and connection within the Latino community, according to Stein.
“This approach allows us to broaden our outreach to Latino communities, which was a key consideration for Moms Clean Air Force. We aim to explore how to make our programs more relevant to these communities, who face significant challenges related to air pollution, environmental justice, and the effects of climate change.
Through their musical initiatives, the team hopes to create a natural resonance with those most affected by the climate crisis.
Stein emphasizes the reality that those facing the greatest impact from climate change and pollution often see environmental action as a luxury they cannot afford. “We must recognize that many members of these communities are not in a position to dedicate extensive time to climate activism,” she explains. “For instance, they may be purchasing bottled water due to fears of water pollution from their tap, all while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Building trust is essential before we can engage them in advocacy.”
Stein underscores the significance of their collective work in environmental justice, noting that it resonates with every member of SonTierra. She commends each musician’s unique contributions to the mission.
Courtesy of EcoMadres
“I am continually impressed by the remarkable talent of every individual in our group, and I feel honored to collaborate with them, as they are not merely skilled musicians,” Stein reflects. “This includes our youngest members, like the 11-year-old girl, as well as the 18-year-old and the 22-year-old. The seasoned touring musicians in our ensemble each bring a unique purpose and perspective to SonTierra, enriching our mission.”
Stein encourages all communities to engage with SonTierra, stating, “You don’t have to be Latino or Latina to invite us to collaborate on climate issues or environmental justice initiatives. We welcome engagement from all communities, whether they are African American, Asian, or any other demographic. Our mission transcends cultural boundaries; we seek to work with anyone interested in addressing these critical issues.”
For those interested in learning more about Moms Clean Air Force and joining the fight against climate disruption, comprehensive resources and actionable steps can be found on the organization’s official website.
