A History of Literal Gatekeeping: Why the Outdoors Are So Segregated, and the Effect On the Black Female Experience

        Due to expensive equipment, lack of access, and white entitlement, the outdoors and natural public spaces have a long-lasting history of segregation. This is not an issue that has remained in the past unfortunately; just this year, a white woman in a public park called the police on a Black man, claiming he was “threatening her and her dog” when he simply asked her to follow park rules about leashing animals. (Martin) This still-present segregation, in turn, can significantly affect the experience of being Black in America, and the experience of being a Black woman in America. 

The outdoors were never intended for people of color; parks, town squares, and beaches were created with the purpose of serving as “havens” for wealthy white elites. And, beyond this sequestering of public spaces, it is essential to acknowledge the fact that the land itself was stolen in the first place; white colonizers stole Native land for white pleasure. (Martin) In addition to this blatantly racist history, recreation outdoors “equipment” is very expensive, excluding those without significant economic means--which, in turn, disproportionately affects Black communities. 

Spending time outside in safe natural spaces holds many health benefits. Harvard Health reports that spending time outside can result in an improved mood, increased relaxation, increased concentration, more vitamin D, and all the benefits that come with exercise. This does not even include the potential spiritual benefits one can have from connecting to nature. Unfortunately, because of location and economic status, these benefits are not afforded to many Black Americans, and even entire communities. 

The experience of being a Black woman in America means enduring both racism and sexism. (Beale 147) Black women are one of the most oppressed groups in America; they are more likely than other demographics to suffer from significant personally traumatic events like intimate partner violence or rape. (Crenshaw 1244) The history of the Black female experience in America is one that results in collective consciousness among American Black women. (Collins 29) Additionally, contemporary segregation -- like that of natural public spaces -- also impacts the collective consciousness of Black women. “These issues affect both contemporary daily life and inter-generational realities,” Patricia Hill Collins wrote about engaging in contemporary Black feminist issues -- which includes climate justice. 

Environmental justice is not just about the health effects of hazardous waste on poor urban Black communities -- though this is a very urgent and important issue. The injustices like those of Flint, Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland are tragic and inexcusable. However, climate justice also means affording every member of the public equal access to natural spaces, which provide both physical and mental benefits. Acknowledging the history of segregation and racism as they have impacted access to the outdoors is the first step in approaching and solving these issues. Clearly, as has been analyzed in other posts, this environmental injustice has led to the mobilization and leadership of many Black female environmental justice activists. It’s time for the rest of us to listen.