Ron Griswell’s uphill battle to get students of color outside

Ron Griswell is an adventurer and outdoor educator seeking to help students of color get outside. (Photo courtesy Ron Griswell)

“Growing up, I’ve always heard … ‘You’re going to have to work twice as hard to get what someone who is white has.’”
— Ron Griswell

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.

Black Joy

For Ron Griswell, “Black joy” is an means of resistance — an unapologetic expression of freedom and happiness that can help erode negative stereotypes.

For our Black listeners: How do you define “Black joy?” What does it mean to you? If you send us a voice message by July 31, 2020, we might air it on the show!