Celebrating Black Voices in Outdoor Spaces

Each February, we honour the legacies, contributions, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities. This year, you’ll notice we’ve moved from Black History Month to Black History & Futures Month –  a shift that acknowledges the past and present while also looking forward to an equitable future that uplifts and celebrates Black leadership, resilience, and innovation. To learn more about Black Futures month visit https://m4bl.org/black-futures-month/.

Below, you’ll find our Read, Watch, Listen guide featuring books, films, podcasts, resources, and accounts that explore the deep connections between Black communities and the environment. These stories highlight the ongoing fight for climate justice, celebrate Black joy in nature, and inspire action.

While February offers an important opportunity for reflection and learning, these conversations and the amplification of Black voices in the outdoors must extend beyond this month. We encourage you to engage with these creators, support their work, and share additional resources in the comments section, recognizing that this list is just a starting point.

READ

• There’s Something in the Water, written by Ingrid R.G. Waldron

A must-read on environmental racism, its health impacts, and the grassroots resistance movements fighting back against it led by Black and Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia and across  Canada.

• Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret, written by Catherine Coleman Flowers

Examines how systemic neglect has led to a public health crisis due to poor sanitation in marginalized communities.

• The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors, written by James Mills

For all adventure lovers, this book explores the first all-Black team to summit Denali and broader conversations about diversity in the outdoors.

• Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors, Written by Carolyn Finney

Examines the historical exclusion of Black communities from outdoor spaces and how to change this narrative.

• Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood, Written by Tony Hillery & Illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Perfect for classroom discussions or young readers at home. This children’s book highlights the true story of transforming an abandoned New York City lot into a thriving community garden that nourishes a community.

WATCH

• There’s Something in the Water, directed by Elliot Page

Based on Ingrid R.G. Waldron’s book mentioned above, this powerful documentary dives into environmental racism in Canada. Watch on Apple TV.

• Mossville: When Great Trees Fall, directed by Alexander Glustrom

The story of Mossville, Louisiana – a once thriving Black community that became a breeding ground for petrochemical plants and the community members who were forced to leave their homes or pay the toxic consequences. Watch on Apple TV or YouTube Premium.

• This Land, produced by Faith E. Briggs

A short film documenting athlete and activist Faith E. Briggs as she runs through segments of US National Monuments under threat. As she runs, she discusses what it means to navigate space as people of color in the outdoors and where women fit into “classic” wilderness narratives. Watch for free on Vimeo.

LISTEN

• The Trail Ahead, a podcast by Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson

Conversations on race, the environment, and equity in the outdoors. Note: While this podcast is not releasing new episodes at this time, they have an incredible library of past episodes to listen to and learn from. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• The Joy Trip, a podcast by James Edward Mills

Stories featuring Black adventurers, conservationists, and outdoor leaders. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

FOLLOW

• @browngirloutdoorworld – A Toronto-based organization creating space for BIPOC in outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, and climbing.
• @colourthetrails – A Canadian group promoting diversity in outdoor sports like skiing, biking, and trail running.
• @blackpeoplewhohike – A community-driven initiative increasing Black representation in hiking and outdoor adventures.
• @blackforager – Educational content about foraging, food sovereignty, and reconnecting with nature.
• @hood_naturalist – Focuses on urban nature education, ecology, and accessibility to environmental learning.
• @mikaelaloach – A leading voice in climate justice activism, intersectionality, and systemic change.
• @blackinnatureottawa – Fostering a reciprocal relationship between Black children, the land, others and with themselves.
• @intersectionalenvironmentalist – A platform advocating for climate justice through an intersectional lens, focusing on marginalized communities.

LEARN

• Race and Nature in the City: Engaging Youth of Colour in Nature-based Activities – Jacqueline L. Scott & Ambika Tenneti (Nature Canada) Access Free Toolkit Here
• Anti-Racism and Belonging in Outdoor Play and Learning — Child and Nature Alliance of Canada Access Paid Resource Here