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Black Women Find Healing (but Sometimes Racism, Too) in the Outdoors
Racial discrimination also may increase stress, lead to health problems and reduce cognitive functioning in Black women.
It would be the last hike of the season, Jessica Newton had excitedly posted on her social media platforms. With mild weather forecast and Colorado’s breathtaking fall foliage as a backdrop, she was convinced an excursion at Beaver Ranch Park would be the quintessential way to close out months of warm-weather hikes with her “sister friends.”
Black women find healing (but sometimes racism, too) in the outdoors
Out on a hike in Colorado, a large group of Black women were approached by Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies, with guns on their hips, asking “What’s going on here?” The most recent National Park Service survey found that 6% of visitors are Black, compared with 77% white.
Written By:
Chandra Thomas Whitfield / Kaiser Health News | 12:00 pm, Jan. 6, 2021 ×
Bear Creek Regional Park volunteer Lynn Wilson leads Jewyl Newton, Joy Eloi, Ashanta Cyprian, Jan Garduno, Jessica Newton and recreation coordinator Theresa Odello on a hike in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Oct. 24, 2020. Kevin Mohatt for KHN
Kevin Mohatt for KHN
toggle caption Kevin Mohatt for KHN
Members of Vibe Tribe Adventures, an organization founded in Colorado to encourage Black women to participate in outdoor excursions, hike through Bear Creek Regional Park on Oct. 24 in Colorado Springs. Kevin Mohatt for KHN
It would be the last hike of the season, Jessica Newton posted on her social media platforms. With mild weather forecast and Colorado s breathtaking fall foliage as a backdrop, she was excited â convinced an excursion at Beaver Ranch Park would be the quintessential way to close out months of warm-weather hikes with her sister friends.
Still, when that Sunday morning arrived in 2018, Newton was shocked when her usual crew of about 15 had mushroomed to include about 70 Black women. There s a first time for everything, she thought, as they broke into smaller groups and headed toward the nature trail. What a sight they were, she recalls, as the women â i
Kevin Mohatt for KHN
It would be the last hike of the season, Jessica Newton posted on her social media platforms. With mild weather forecast and Colorado s breathtaking fall foliage as a backdrop, she was excited convinced an excursion at Beaver Ranch Park would be the quintessential way to close out months of warm-weather hikes with her sister friends.
Still, when that Sunday morning arrived in 2018, Newton was shocked when her usual crew of about 15 had mushroomed to include about 70 Black women. There s a first time for everything, she thought, as they broke into smaller groups and headed toward the nature trail. What a sight they were, she recalls, as the women in sneakers and hiking boots, a virtual sea of colorful head wraps, flowy braids and dreadlocks, poufy twists and long, flowy locks trekked peacefully across the craggy terrain in the crisp mountain air.
Members of Vibe Tribe Adventures, an organization founded in Colorado to encourage Black women to participate in outdoor excursions, hike through Bear Creek Regional Park on Oct. 24 in Colorado Springs.
It would be the last hike of the season, Jessica Newton posted on her social media platforms. With mild weather forecast and Colorado s breathtaking fall foliage as a backdrop, she was excited convinced an excursion at would be the quintessential way to close out months of warm-weather hikes with her sister friends.
Still, when that Sunday morning arrived in 2018, Newton was shocked when her usual crew of about 15 had mushroomed to include about 70 Black women. There s a first time for everything, she thought as they broke into smaller groups and headed toward the nature trail. What a sight they were, she recalls, as the women in sneakers and hiking boots, a virtual sea of colorful headwraps, flowy braids and dreadlocks, poufy twists and long, flowy locks trekked peacefully