What it's like

This hike was originally intended to be just another hike, something to do as restrictions get lifted. Then George Floyd was murdered on camera by a white police officer and suddenly, it became everyone’s job to talk about racism in this country. Not all conversations went well. Many erupted into violence and looting. But those acts are still part of this conversation because, like Anna said in this video, If white people can complain and black people shouldn’t be offended, then black people can also complain and white people shouldn’t get offended or take it personally, either.

This trip became a safe space to have a conversation about racism in a different setting. One you don’t always see people of color in. While passing by, a white hiker asks us what we’re filming. We tell him that we’re trying to capture the experience of people of color outdoors. Instantly recognizing the problem, he replies, You know, I don’t think I’ve seen any other people of color out here. You guys might be the only ones. Although there were other Latino and black families out this past weekend, the white hiker was at least aware that there’s a problem.

There were many stories shared, including that hiking is a “white people thing” and that if a person of color hikes, they’re opening themselves up to shaming from their friends and family for doing it. Not to mention the irrational fear of running into bears that’ll eat you, which is less likely than running into cops that’ll kill you. (It’s true: approximately 1 in 2.1 million chance of getting killed by a bear vs. approximately 1 in 1,000 black men can expect to be killed by police. Ironically, the one place we’re safer is also the place we’re shamed to go to.)

The selected stories here are just a part of the broader conversation, and a continuation of Outerthere’s commitment to create safe spaces to share your story outdoors - our commitment to welcoming everyone.