Birding While Black
/Nature is not a safe haven for People of Color
Drew Lanham (photo courtesy Drew Lanham)
“I could see people taking their binoculars down and looking at me. Because here’s this Black guy with this mostly White … class of students, explaining birds to them."
— Drew Lanham
The events that have been unfolding across the United States over the past weeks have driven home once again that simply existing carries risks if you have dark skin.
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 bonus episode, producer Jackie Sojico bring you a story that first aired several years ago. It’s about ornithologist and birder Drew Lanham and his quest to pursue his passion outdoors as a POC.
Special thanks to BirdNote for letting us use audio from the “Rules For the Black Birdwatcher” video. The video was produced by Ari Daniel Shapiro.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood
For Further Reading
“I've Spent My Life Birding While Black. Here's Why I Can't and Won't Forgive Amy Cooper” — by Drew Lanham, published recently in Newsweek
“Lions and Tigers and Black Folk, Oh My! Why Black People Should Take Up Space in the Outdoors” — by Joshua Walker, published last year by Melanin Base Camp
“For Our White Friends Desiring To Be Allies” — by Courtney Ariel, published by Sojourners in 2017
You can find additional reading and listening suggestions on our blog, and here’s an excellent Ally Resource Guide.
