We’re exciting to be kicking off February’s Black History Month with another addition to our DiverseNPS series. As part of our ongoing commitment to ending systemic racism and changing the inequilities that exist in outdoor spaces, we’re joining with others in supporting and lifting up organizations dedicated to bridging the race gap in outdoor spaces. Check out today’s post describing the DiverseNPS initiative and our February featured organization, Cleveland-based Syatt.
As outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of America’s parks, we’ve experienced the benefits of connecting with nature and our diverse landscapes. From city parks where we can get a taste of green amid cemented city blocks, to recharging strolls and hikes in the millions of acres of our state parks, to treks and climbs in the breathtaking landscapes in our national parks, the chance to be in nature is an experience we hold invaluable.
Undoubtedly, our lands should be enjoyed by all of us, but when we look into who is getting access to our lands, we see alarmingly disproportionate statistics that highlight a gap between race and park visitations. When we examine the reasons why these gaps are present—access, education, resources, discrimination and prejudice—we understand that systemic racism in our country is the major contributor to these disappointing disproportions.
In the National Park System, for example, Black Americans make up about 7 percent of visitors, while they are 13 percent of the U.S. population. Moreover, 78 percent of visitors are White.
The end of the Jim Crow era in 1968, showcases that Black American generations have only recently gained the freedom and liberty to move around this country. Still today, minorities face prejudice and discrimination within our outdoor spaces and, often, cannot safely and comfortably enjoy outdoor recreation.
AS PARK ENTHUSIASTS AND ADVOCATES OF SPENDING TIME IN NATURE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING RACISM WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY.
To do so, we are taking action to use our platforms to contribute to the progress that is much needed within the outdoor space and community.
As a part of this community, Park Chasers will join with others in highlighting organizations that are dedicated to bridging the race gap in the outdoor space by connecting opportunities and experiences to people of color.
Each month, we are featuring and focusing on one organization, with the intent to showcase their hard work, raise awareness and support them through funding and donations. We’ll share monthly articles and social media posts along with links for how you can donate.
THIS MONTH'S ORGANIZATION: Syatt
During the month of February we’ll be sharing the work of Syatt, a Cleveland, Ohio 501(c)3 organization located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Syatt, short for “See You At The Top”, was founded by a mother and two daughters—TeamHood: Marcia, Erika, and Ebony Hood—with a mission to increase access to outdoor spaces for Black and Brown youth, while simultaneously creating and inspiring joy in places that haven’t traditionally been safe or welcoming to people of color.
Syatt
Syatt's Mission:
Website: syattcle.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syatt_cle/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYATTCLE/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/see-you-at-the-top-cle/?originalSubdomain=nl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/syattCLE
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT A MORE DIVERSE NPS?
DONATE
COMMITTED TO ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SYATT
HAVE AN ORGANIZATION WE CAN HIGHLIGHT?
Diverse NPS: Indigenous Environmental Network
It’s a brand new month, which means we’re posting another segment in our Diverse NPS series. During the month of April, we are highlighting the
DiverseNPS: Outdoor Afro
As we continue February and Black History Month, we’re sharing another installment in our community effort to showcase organizations promoting social justice and more inclusive
DiverseNPS: Latino Outdoors
We’re only 10 days into the new year and already looking forward to getting on the road for new adventures. Taking a break from trip
DiverseNPS – Big City Mountaineers
It’s the start of a new month and we’re continuing our ongoing community effort to showcase organizations that promote social justice, diversity, and more inclusive
DiverseNPS: Greening Youth Foundation
A little later this month, but not too late to post another installment in our DiverseNPS initiative. During the month of October, we are highlighting
DiverseNPS: GirlTrek
It’s the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time to post another segment in our Diverse NPS series. September marks one year since
