California Has Black Women Trekking Through the Outdoors

It's not unusual to see black women today, fighting against the misconception that black people don't enjoy nature and the outdoors.

In fact, if that sounds like your kind of fight, and you're an African American woman residing in the Los Angeles area, you'll be delighted about this exciting news. It involves a black women's hiking group called Black Girls Trekkin.

Lack of Diversity in Outdoor Recreation

Black Girls Trekkin' is the answer to the lack of diversity in outdoor recreation in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

This black-owned outdoor company was founded by two high school friends, who among other things, have their love of the outdoors in common.

Together, Tiffany Tharpe and Michelle Race have managed to pull together a diverse team of black women, who, just like them, love nature and the outdoors.

For many black people, sometimes lack of funds can be the reason for a lack of inclusion in certain forms of outdoor recreation.

That is why it is so good to learn about and be exposed to activities in our own communities and neighborhoods. You never really know what's right in your backyard, until you go trekking and find out.

Myths about Black People and the Outdoors

There is definitely no shortage of phenomenal black women in the world. Among them are scores of awesome black women athletes, like the brave gymnast Simone Biles and runner Sha' Carri Richardson. Both these Olympic stars have had a difficult year, but managed to get through it, with their heads still held high.

Women like these, have exceptional athletic abilities. But they are not the only kind of black women who enjoy getting physical in a more than average way.

Maybe you're a black woman who can relate to hearing the stereotypes about blacks don't not liking nature, blacks don't enjoy swimming, black people don't hike, etc…

Perhaps that kind of thing doesn't annoy you, if you happen to fit into that category; or maybe, you fit into that category, because that's what you've always been told.

According to KangJae "Jerry" Lee. Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, people of color don't have the same kind of access to nature as whites. Black are three times more likely to live in areas that don't provide access to nature. Lee states:

"Socioeconomic status, cultural differences, racial discrimination and the history of institutional racism."

In spite of disproportionate access to nature and other barriers, the truth of the matter is: Black people, particularly black women, enjoy a whole range of outdoor activities, and the Black Girls Trekkin' group does it all.

If you don't believe it, just ask: Nicole Snell, Jasmine Lowe, and Kaira Lewis. These are the Adventure Leaders for Black Girls Trekkin' and they are essential ingredients in the glue that holds this awesome group together.

About Black Girls Trekkin

What first captured my attention when I heard about this group, is how they emphasize the need for blacks, particularly women, to be inclusive when it comes to outdoor recreational activities.

Nothing has never sounded so appealing, than having a black women's hiking group right in my own backyard. Being a woman of color, and a lover of the outdoors, I reached out, to learn more about the group.

I discovered that they host a variety of different outdoor activities, including something I particularly love; overnight camping.

While not every black woman lives a lifestyle that includes outdoor adventure, there are still a great number of African American women who support these type of activities.

They host events all over LA county, but they don't always stay in the city. Occasionally, they take day trips outside of Los Angeles.

I was quite pleased to find out that this group of empowered women stand for a lot more than just black women having fun in the outdoors.

I discovered the following 3 elements help to explain the core of the group's very existence:

Representation

"…black girls and women hike, we also run, climb, swim, and have a thirst for adventure that is too often underrepresented or unacknowledged."

Diversity and Inclusion

"If you're Asian, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Disabled, or have ever felt left out of the outdoor community, know that we support and respect you! Everyone belongs outside and should have the ability to connect with the outdoors in their own way. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise or judge you for being who you are."

Education and Conservation

"Not only do we enjoy being outdoors, we enjoy taking care of it too. We try our best to educate our community about this wonderful earth and why it's worth protecting."

Positive Black Women on the Move

After a thorough tour of the Black Girls Trek website, I must admit, I was both excited, and a little anxious. One thing that I didn't find mentioned on the site, was any stipulations about age.

Although the group of black women in the photos were diverse, and appeared to be of various ages, I began to wonder if I might be a bit more seasoned than the rest.

I contacted the group's founders, and was pleased to hear back from Tiffany, and here is part of what she said:

"We try to be as inclusive as possible because we know not everyone wants to hike 15 miles or hike 3 miles etc.

So if you'd like to join us for a hike/event don't be afraid to! We have a very supportive team and group of women on our hikes and our goal is to ensure everyone has a good experience."

The website explains how their monetary donations and contributions to the group help to fund transportation, parking, water, and other necessities that some members may not be able to afford.

This, all in an effort to make sure that anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors with them, will be able to.

With such a warm invitation to come and check them out, how could I not be delighted about this group and the positive women that run it?

Of course, I responded and told her I'm definitely in! I'm primed and ready for their email alert, letting me know about the next upcoming event.

Final Thoughts

If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can visit the website, and learn more about this awesome women's group.

But even if you don't live in Los Angeles County, or even in the state of California at all. Black women all over the nation are taking a stand and not allowing themselves to be put into a stereotypical box.

Black Girls Trekkin' has plans to eventually have branches in other states and localities, but first they want to make sure they secure and put in place a completely dedicated team.

They welcome hearing from people who want to help them branch out, so don't hesitate to contact them if you'd be interested in supporting BGT.

So what should you do if you love getting out and engaging in outdoor activities, but can't find other like-minded woman of color?

Perhaps you can do like Tiffany and Michelle and start something similar in your own locality.

• Don't take for granted that none of the women you know will be interested.
• Check with your friends, neighbors, and associates who might be interested.
• Post flyers at work, or school, or post online, to see if you can find black women who may want to get involved in fun outdoor hiking and other related activities.

To get ideas about how you can encourage the black women in your area to get involved in outdoor recreation, visit the Black Girls Trekkin website and see how these women keep things trekking.

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