Wilson’s experience of being alone and different isn’t unique. According to National Health Foundation, nearly 70 percent of individuals visiting national parks, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries are white. in 2018 reportdata compiled by the National Park Service Visitor Services Project showed that lower than 2 percent of national park visitors were black.
However, Wilson was determined to seek out a community that welcomed her. And in 2021, she found exactly what she was on the lookout for: Black women who canoe + (BWWK+). Founded by Tanya Walker, a Texas-based certified paddle sports safety practitioner and community facilitator, BWWK+ is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black women and other people of color to get outside more often.
It makes being outdoors more enjoyable
There are many aspects that keep people of color outside. In a 2019 study titled “Equity in access to outdoor recreation – communicating a sustainable futureparticipants reported lack of time, money, distance and transportation as barriers to visiting the national forest. Other testpublished in Elsevierfound that Hispanics face racial and nativist barriers in wild parks, including a lack of knowledge in Spanish. Entrance fees to national parks are also a financial burden, per a borders evaluation.
To help combat the shortage of outside diversity near her hometown of Austin, Texas, Walker initially began hosting one-off events reminiscent of paddleboarding and climbing in June 2018. Soon, with the assistance of social media, she began to draw large crowds, so so big that it decided to determine BWWK+ as an official organization. (The plus sign symbolizes that the organization occupies each land and water.)
What began as a single group in Austin has grown to 11 branches throughout the United States, including Colorado, Kentucky, California, Arkansas, and other states. Today, BWWK+ focuses on climbing, yoga within the park, trips to the wild nature, camping and golf sessions. “BWWK+ hosts events that bring the community together,” says Wilson. “Through this, we teach in regards to the importance of protecting our land and protecting our water.”
The organization offers its members greater than just entertainment. Studies have shown that being outdoors has many advantages, including improving vision health, reducing the danger of heart problems, and reducing stress levels. Hiking in nature and taking more steps throughout the day may even combat brain fog and synchronize our circadian rhythm for higher sleep.
Reducing entry costs
It’s no secret that financial barriers reminiscent of national park entrance fees, lack of paid vacation and the associated fee of apparatus can deter many would-be adventurers from participating in activities reminiscent of backpacking, mountaineering or skiing.
“The average person has to gather and buy all this equipment,” says Wilson. It struck her especially as she was preparing for her first backpacking trip. “I had nothing,” she says. “I went to REI and tried on a couple of packs – the most affordable was around $200.”
To help offset these expenses, BWWK+ works with other outdoor organizations reminiscent of REI, NOLS, British Swimming Schooland Texas rowing centerto reduce the fees BWWK+ members need to pay. BWWK+ also helps people in a difficult financial situation to acquire scholarships – funded by BWWK+ sponsors – in order that they will proceed their adventures.
“Sport is for everybody and it is vital that the following generation doesn’t have that problem,” says Wilson.
Community constructing
In addition to opportunities and events, BWWK+ can be a source of community for girls of color. Wilson, for instance, says that the presence of a BWWK+ member on an eight-day long-distance trip to Alaska last summer inspired her to beat the mental and physical challenges of harsh temperatures, miles of poor visibility, and steep inclines.
“To have the option to take a look at her and exchange a seem like, ‘Hey, are you okay? it was so empowering,” says Wilson.
Although Kim Fields, the second BWWK+ member on the Alaska expedition, had the same stamina level to Wilson, Fields had more experience with backpacking and pushed Wilson when parts of the route were difficult. It was these subtle exchanges that set Wilson on the trail. “Every time I struggled or was baffled by the climbs, I might look to her and she or he would encourage me to finish the route,” says Wilson.
Being a part of BWWK+ means Wilson can loosen up and embrace his truest self. It looks like letting your hair down, laughing and being within the presence of other colourful adventurers of all levels of experience. “There’s no code-switching, no explaining colloquialisms, and even mansplaining,” says Wilson. “You have individuals who understand where you might be.”
