In my work as an urban preschool teacher, I have had many discussions with kids about who nature and the outdoors is "for". So often, children of color have expressed to me the belief that it's not "for" them (nor for people who are old or disabled). So glad to see this discussed here!
A very informative article. I like that you try to provide some positive steps.
Years ago when I was a graduate student at the U of M, I was involved with helping to organize some of the "Take Back the Night" movement which was then taking place. I learned much to my shame why so many women do not go out by themselves at night and why so many single women had dogs. Not sure if any of that has changed in the past 44 years, but your article explains some reasons for Black folks not being as active in nature and camping activities as well as other outdoor adventures. What a shame on the American Dream.
The link to unlikely hikers did not work. I found the following about them: "April 30, 2025: Despite what was posted previously about coming back in April, we’re going to remain on break for now. The need for Unlikely Hikers is bigger than ever, but the toxic cultural climate and ending of DEI programs by outdoor brands has squashed both funding and already dwindling energy." So sad.
In my work as an urban preschool teacher, I have had many discussions with kids about who nature and the outdoors is "for". So often, children of color have expressed to me the belief that it's not "for" them (nor for people who are old or disabled). So glad to see this discussed here!
A very informative article. I like that you try to provide some positive steps.
Years ago when I was a graduate student at the U of M, I was involved with helping to organize some of the "Take Back the Night" movement which was then taking place. I learned much to my shame why so many women do not go out by themselves at night and why so many single women had dogs. Not sure if any of that has changed in the past 44 years, but your article explains some reasons for Black folks not being as active in nature and camping activities as well as other outdoor adventures. What a shame on the American Dream.
The link to unlikely hikers did not work. I found the following about them: "April 30, 2025: Despite what was posted previously about coming back in April, we’re going to remain on break for now. The need for Unlikely Hikers is bigger than ever, but the toxic cultural climate and ending of DEI programs by outdoor brands has squashed both funding and already dwindling energy." So sad.
Enlightening. Thank you.