Racism in the Outdoors
It is a privilege to choose not to have written about it and this isn’t to say it’s going to become the sole focus of my blog but as social justice is/will be my life’s work I must include it. I would be remiss if I pretended that I didn’t need to post about it and that my adventurers wouldn’t benefit from a post about it. I I will still write about my adventures and tell the stories of people I meet but I encourage all of my adventurers to follow Oneika the Traveller who has travelled much more extensively than I have and is a ray of sunshine and inspiration every time she posts.
Lake Macintosh - a local adventure in Alamance County
When discussing racism in the outdoors it often becomes a conversation of access. Over time through redlining and other systemic policies we (White America) have forced Black people into densely populated areas of concrete with very little green space. They simply don’t have green spaces around them to enjoy the health benefits of nature much less learn outdoors skills such as how to kayak, how to backpack, how to mountain bike, etc. While my parents didn’t know how to do everything in the outdoors they 1. lived in places with green spaces and actively took me there and 2. had access to equipment to teach me what they did know and make me feel comfortable in nature. Access is not only based on proximity but also money. Again, through systematic choice we have economically disadvantaged Black Americans to where renting a kayak or going camping isn’t an option for them because they couldn’t choose that luxury over a necessity.
You can rent kayaks for a paddle around the lake
Have you ever heard of the Buffalo Soldiers? I hadn’t until very recently. They were a Black calvary that were the first to protect our national parks. Black people developed the land and the nations’ economic prowess and even protected the land to only be shut out from it as time went on. Recently I zoomed in to a panel about Anti-Racism in Our National Parks and the panelists discussed how there is a lack of belongingness and confidence that the land is there for Black people to enjoy. Connection to land is incredibly important. I go to every park and nature area as if it is there for me to use and appreciate. It was something that had never crossed my mind before, that we have conditioned people to not have those same thoughts.
There’s a beautiful mountain biking trail around the lake that’s perfect for beginners
This is not to say all Black Americans are struggling for money or only live in urban areas or don’t adventure in the outdoors but we have to understand the system behind why that is the case for most Black people in this country. I’m going to include a short list of organizations below who are redefining outdoor access and advocating for justice put together by NOLS. Support and/or spread the word.
Summer Search uses a unique combination of social-emotional mentoring, summer leadership experiences, and post-secondary advising to empower young people who face systemic oppression.
Latino Outdoors inspires, connects, and engages Latino communities in the outdoors and embrace cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative.
The mission of C5 is to inspire high-potential youth from underserved communities to pursue personal success.
Outdoor Outreach uses the outdoors to inspire youth to see possibility and opportunity in their lives.
City Kids Wilderness Project is founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for DC children can enhance their lives.
Big City Mountaineers instills critical life skills in under-resourced youth through transformative wilderness mentoring experiences.
Explore Austin uses mentoring, leadership, and outdoor adventure to empower youth to reach their full potential.
Urban Initiatives empowers students and unite communities through community development and the power of sports.
SEO Scholars creates a more equitable society by closing the academic and opportunity gap for motivated young people, setting the standard for academics, mentorship, community, positive peer pressure, and a powerful, lifelong network.
Do the good work and get into good trouble adventurers. Open your atlas and travel but always look beyond the page for the gaps and continue to educate yourself.