Black and Outdoorsy
/A playlist celebrating Black experiences outdoors
We often hear that Black people are not outdoorsy — that African Americans don’t do nature. The reasons for this narrative are complex and have roots dating back to slavery. But in reality, a lot of Black Americans are outdoorsy, with deep connections to nature.
In honor of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, we’ve compiled a playlist of stories that highlight Black experiences outdoors and celebrate the diverse and meaningful ways that African Americans engage with the natural world.
Clockwise from top left: Angela Crenshaw, Ron Griswell, Kelsie Wilkins, Derick Lugo, Colin Howe
THE ULTIMATE OUTDOORSWOMAN
Harriet Tubman was more than a conductor on the Underground Railroad. She was a daughter, wife, entrepreneur — and a talented outdoorswoman.
On this episode, we explore Tubman’s relationship with nature; we unpack how that history shapes the way Black Americans engage with the outdoors today; and we show how a closer look at Tubman could offer new perspectives on who belongs outdoors.
MR. FABULOUS
On this episode, we share a conversation with Derick Lugo, a suave, manicured New Yorker who set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. We discuss the warm welcome Derick received on the A.T. as a hiker of color; we talk about how the generosity he experienced on the trail shifted his habits back home; and we share the highly entertaining story behind his trail name. Plus: why you shouldn’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone.
BIRDING WHILE BLACK
Many of us like to think that nature is an equalizer — a place to escape the injustices of society. But it’s not so simple. On this episode, which first aired several years ago, we bring you the story of ornithologist and birder Drew Lanham and his quest to pursue his passion outdoors as a POC.
BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
With both African American and Cherokee roots, Shannon Prince comes from a family with a rich relationship to the natural world. But her family’s eco-literacy had been stripped away over the generations, and by the time Shannon came along, there wasn’t much left to teach her.
Yearning to rediscover forgotten knowledge, Shannon traveled across the world, to a place where ancient traditions were more intact than her own. On this episode, she shares a story that takes us from Houston, Texas, to the remote meadows of Outer Mongolia and explores the surprising things that can happen to us on a personal level, when we attempt to preserve a way of life that’s slowly being stripped away.
A SERIES OF UNLIKELY EVENTS
In 2001, Donna Martino stuck a photograph on her fridge. It was a picture from the newspaper of a handsome kayaker paddling through the surf. A few months later, Donna matched with the man on a dating website. The rest is history.
We tend to assume that improbable beginnings are a recipe for disaster — that sappy romances can’t last — that fairytale endings are only for movies. But sometimes, the real world serves up a dose of schmaltz. This story is about what happens when coincidences pile up, and strangers go out on a limb and take a chance on each other.
8 MILES IN NYC
When Kelsie Wilkins moved to New York City, she quickly became overwhelmed. She had never felt so alone in a crowd. But eventually she did something that helped her belong. It began with a walk, and ended with a sense of camaraderie and connection. On this episode, Kelsie shares her story.
BLACK AND OUTDOORSY
If you attended a predominantly white college or university, there was probably an outdoors program on campus. And it was likely composed of mostly white people. If you went to a historically Black college or university, chances are, there was no outdoor program. And you probably grew up hearing that the outdoors was for white people.
On this episode, we talk with outdoor adventurer and educator Ron Griswell about his efforts to close the adventure gap. We share the story of how Ron became a leader in the outdoor industry; we discuss the barriers that keep many people of color from engaging in outdoor adventures; and we talk about the ways that Black joy can help combat racist narratives.
RESILIENCE THROUGH DIVERSITY
As a marine biologist, Colin Howe sees diversity as an indicator of health: the more diverse an ecosystem, the more likely it is to thrive. But while scientists work hard to preserve diversity in the wild, they often fail to achieve it in the workplace.
Colin is one of just a handful of Black biologists in the United States. On this episode, we talk with him about pursuing his passion in a predominantly white field. And we discuss what the oceans can teach us about the benefits of diversity.
