Ed Note: This article is ever evolving. Help us highlight more BIPOC outdoor meet ups and events in North America—send suggestions to hello @ fieldmag dot com. Thank you!
A part of normalizing Blackness in all spaces, including the outdoors, is highlighting the connective experiences servicing our communities. Participating in adventure activities can be intimidating when you don’t see yourself reflected in the culture at large, though, and it’s even harder to know where to start if you're new to the scene. Luckily, there’s adventure all around us: Whether it be in the wilderness at our national or state parks, or closer to home at your local city's public green space, there are Black-led groups and collectives stewarding events for Black people and BIPOC in nature. It's our hope that this periodically updated list of such events and activities, with important info such as location and timing, can help break down any barriers preventing Black and BIPOC people from getting outdoors.
Of course, this list isn’t the full depiction or scope of what being Black in nature looks like. Being Black isn’t limited to one month, or even to this list. Our expressions and our connection to the natural environment comes in many forms. These outdoor, community-focused events, organized by and for Black people throughout the year, are just a few examples. Repairing centuries of communal and societal disenfranchisement requires collective support, and these events provide opportunities to build new relationships, traditions, and expressions in reconnecting with the natural world—and each other.
Integral to this way of living is community. No matter our cultural background, it’s important to connect, learn, and grow in the places we call home. America is home to many groups who have been systematically limited in experiencing America, and it’s time we actively focused on rebuilding what it means to explore and adventure here. These nature-based events are centered in restorative and transformative elements that produce Black joy in its boundless enthusiasm. It’s time we all had the liberties and access to explore trails, go climbing, find mushrooms, group camp, fish, ski, and surf in perpetuity. We should always feel safe to have a park day without the worry of cops being called.
Also See: 60+ Black, Indigenous & POC Outdoor Organizations to Support
