loveisking.org
Above is the website for the foundation being discussed.
Read through all the information and links on it.
It is not just a group trying to diversify outdoors users or get inner city kids involved in outdoor activities.
It clearly states people of color don’t have equal access to the outdoors, and can’t safely go in the outdoors because of racism.
Below is a quote directly from the foundations Letter To America
“People of color have been facing racism for 400 years. It is an all-too-common feeling of fear for people of color moving through the urban worlds, as the day-to-day hustle of life is filled with constant discrimination and rejection from others as they try to function and be part of the fabric of humanity. The American fabric is consciously rejecting, targeting and isolating people of color, despite the important roles they have played historically with the hard labor to build our nation. Despite all the blood, sweat and tears, there is still no acceptance, no equality, and no justice”
Does quote accurately describe the Country we live in right now?
The entire website is filled with information just like that quote.
Read article linked at the bottom of the foundations website with the founder holding a fly rod with his dog.
“The death of George Floyd is a horrific loss that has shined a spotlight on the systemic racism present not just in our nation’s police departments, but in our day-to-day lives, in our schools, offices, court systems, and elsewhere. It has highlighted the tension between white and non-white people in the United States. It has offered us a moment to pause and listen to the unheard voices of America”
“African Americans asking for equality and justice while seeing black boys and girls getting killed by merciless cops.”
“The reality of being black in America is being born with a target on you. You can’t separate from this target. It follows you wherever you go. Every time you step outside, your target is visible. You’re judged, spat on, called “n****r” time after time.”
“This is why I have to don my flack jacket and holster my weapon to go to a beautiful place on public lands that nature has provided for all of us—for every soul, young, old, black, brown and white. I fought for freedom alongside others who gave their lives but, sadly, as a black man, I have to protect myself when I go to the river to find my own freedom, joy, solitude and healing”
These are the founder of this foundations feelings and experiences. It is very sad a person in a country this great has been treated this way, and feels this way.
Read the diversity contract you need to sign if you want to be one of the Foundations Gaurdians.
I think you would be hard pressed to find large groups against having diversity in the outdoors.
I think you would also be hard pressed to find large amounts of people of color scared to leave their house in fear of being shot by racist white people.
I think you would be hard pressed to find large numbers of people of color that don’t have equal access to the outdoors based off skin color, and that cannot safely use outdoor areas based on their skin color.
Maybe things are different in other areas. Where I am from I have never heard of racism being a barrier to people of color camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, or any other outdoor activities.
Since I read through this foundations website I’ve asked many people of color if they have a fear of outdoor activities because of their skin color.
Everyone looked at me like I was nuts.