Throughout history, Black people have led efforts in environmental justice and connecting people of color to nature, despite discrimination that has historically excluded them from public outdoor spaces and conversations regarding issues that disproportionately affect them. This Black History Month, we’re recognizing some of the contributions of local and national Black champions of environmental justice and inclusion who have advocated for the diversification of green spaces, communities and parks.
Environmental justice & Cleveland’s leader during a burning river
The environmental movement was gaining traction when Cleveland elected Carl Stokes mayor in 1967. Stokes was the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city, elected shortly before the Cuyahoga River infamously caught on fire in 1969.
This wasn’t the first fire on the Cuyahoga, but for many, it was a catalyst for movement in the United States — one in which Stokes would play a major role. The day after the fire, Stokes led a pollution tour and worked with his brother, Congressman Louis Stokes, to push for environmental regulation at the federal level.
Still, Cleveland’s mayor believed the environmental movement of the time was too narrow, lacking account for the disproportionate effect on low-income and minority communities. Stokes’ approach was aligned with what is now known as environmental justice, defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Diversifying the outdoors
Dudley Edmondson is a photographer, author, filmmaker, and conservationist who grew up in Columbus, OH. While traveling the country for work outdoors, Edmondson asked himself how our cities could be so diverse, but the outdoors almost exclusively white. This was his inspiration behind creating “Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Spaces,” a collection featuring stories of Black people across different paths with a common connection to the great outdoors. From government officials and biologists to everyday citizens, Edmondson’s book profiles Black role models in nature, a place from which Black people have historically been excluded.
Other notable efforts to connect Black people to nature include those of Dr. John Francis and Rue Mapp. Dr. Francis, nicknamed “The Planetwalker,” refrained from using motorized transportation for 22 years and founded the environmental nonprofit Planetwalk. Mapp founded Outdoor Afro in 2009, a not-for-profit that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature.
Parks for all
Summit Metro Parks is committed to learning and growing alongside our community to ensure that everyone feels safe and confident visiting green spaces today.
Whether you enjoy attending our programs and events, taking advantage of our educational resources or being outdoors, Summit Metro Parks is proud to have parks for all to enjoy. We encourage you to visit the resources linked below and throughout this article to learn more about those advocating for change in outdoor spaces and our communities today.
Additional Resources
- “The Environmental Justice Movement Is Rooted In Black History” — 350
- “Carl B. Stokes: Ground-breaking Cleveland Mayor” — Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- “5 Black Heroes of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation” — Appalachian Mountain Club
- “Why People of Color Often Feel Unsafe in the Outdoors” — Sierra Club
- “11 African American Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us” — Hipcamp