August 2nd 2023.
Conservatives were taken aback when NBC News reported the need for Black people to have safe spaces in the outdoors. They expressed disbelief at the founder of an organization working to provide these spaces, who said "There is trauma related to being outdoors. There's a lot of healing that we as a Black community must do." This claim was met with jokes and sarcasm, such as "The outdoors is racist."
The truth is, the outdoors has not always been inclusive. Data from CNN reveals that Black people make up only 6% of visitors to national parks; this is a result of factors such as accessibility and segregation. Even outdoor facilities funded by the government were subjected to Jim Crow laws. Thus, there is indeed a "nature gap" between Black people and white people in the outdoors.
NBC News's article aimed to provide healing and support for people of color who are uncomfortable with outdoor activities. Stereotypes still exist, but until they are erased, nature groups that are dedicated to outdoor safety for people of color remain necessary. Through initiatives such as Jeff Jenkins's body positivity in adventure travel, we can work towards a more equitable future.
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