Black History Month Outdoors

Written by Haleigh Martin, February 1st, 2023

In celebration of Black History Month, we are taking time to celebrate Black conservationists, outdoor leaders, and organizations that support BIPOC engagement in the outdoors who have worked in a variety of capacities to create a more inclusive environment for all to feel welcomed into. Here at KS Wild, we believe outdoor spaces should be enjoyed by everyone, and all people should feel safe to experience the connection and peace the natural world has to offer. We are grateful to share the stories of a few folks who have dedicated their lives to inspiring change in our culture and in the outdoor industry.

A mural painted of Hattie Carthan in Brooklyn, NY.

Hattie Carthan

Hattie Carthan, nicknamed Brooklyn’s “Tree Lady”, was an environmental and community activist regarded for her efforts to improve life for the Black community in Brooklyn, NY. As the quality of life in her community decreased due to heightened police brutality in the 1960s, Carthan took it upon herself to find ways to take action to create a more comfortable neighborhood. She knew the value that trees and greenspace offered, and she took it upon herself to plant 1,500 trees in her neighborhood for herself and her community. In 1974, she was awarded the distinguished service award for her commitment to her community and her local environment. 

John Francis, Planetwalker

John Francis, the Planetwalker, during one of his long treks across the SW United States.

John Francis was only a teenager when he witnessed a tanker collision in 1971 leading to a massive oil spill in the San Francisco bay, altering the trajectory of his life. He took it upon himself to give up the use of motorized vehicles, noting their responsibility for environmental catastrophes like the oil spill that washed up on shore, and vowed to walk no matter where he wanted to go. In the years that followed, Frances received a B.S. degree from Southern Oregon State College, a Masters degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana-Missoula, and a PhD in Land Resources from the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He founded Planetwalk, a nonprofit organization with the mission of supporting fellow walkers in their quest for environmental conservation and responsibility. Today, Frances continues to work to encourage diversity and inclusiveness within traditional conservation and environmental organizations as a professor at the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Shelton Johnson

Shelton Johnson has been a longtime advocate for inclusivity in the national parks and outdoors for minority groups, and more specifically the black community. He quotes that "one of the great losses to African culture from slavery was the loss of kinship with the earth". His passion is felt through his 35 dedicated years of work in the National Park Service where he has written and performed living history presentations for both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. Through his committed career, he has accepted numerous awards for his efforts advocating for diversity in national parks have helped more folks feel welcomed as they see their stories told throughout the country in parks, cultural, and historic sites alike. You can see Johnson’s passion and enthusiasm for yourself in this video.

Diversity Outdoors

Diversify Outdoors is a coalition of digital influencers, affinity groups, and allies promoting diversity in outdoor recreation and conservation for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. The coalition brings together organizations like Melanin Base Camp, The Brown Ascenders, The Unlikely Hikers, and more, and they host a variety of events and blogs to help unite and create community for BIPOC folks in the outdoor communities. You can learn more about their work and the large swath of organizations they have brought together in their work at their website.