Our roots
RECYCLE + REINVEST
Recycle & Reinvest was born from a desire to change the narrative—to turn waste into opportunity, transform neglected spaces into hubs of creativity, and reinvest in communities that have been overlooked for too long.
The movement finds its roots in the vision of friends deeply committed to their communities 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 in underserved neighborhoods of North Nashville. Inspired by the transformative power of hip-hop and motivated by their experiences in Nashville, Memphis, and Brooklyn, they launched BANG 4 LIBERATION (B.4.L), a movement merging music, environmental stewardship, and social advocacy.
From these efforts, the B.4.L Reinvestment Army emerged, with twelve new Generals stepping up to lead initiatives that empower youth, mobilize community action, and drive environmental justice. Out of this vision, Recycle & Reinvest took shape—a collective of artists, activists, and environmental advocates committed to blending creativity with sustainability.
Our work uses art as a tool for education and activism, raising awareness about environmental justice while cultivating pride, ownership, and collective responsibility in the communities we serve. Through neighborhood clean-ups, tree plantings, youth leadership programs, and collaborative initiatives with local artists and wellness-based businesses, we strive to transform spaces, uplift people, and inspire lasting change.
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.
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our Story
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.
Join Our Team
Make a Difference
Be part of a passionate team dedicated to sustainability. We are hiring various positions including:
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!