Diverse NPS►
Because of growing civil unrest , I joined a coalition of fellow park enthusiasts. Our group brainstormed ideas about how we could use our combined platforms to help. We’ve previously written about the barriers many BIPOC communities face when it comes to outdoor recreation. Statistics show that Black Americans make up only 7% of national park visitors (some studies show that it’s as low as 1%) while making up 13% of the U.S. population.
Each month, our group intends to spotlight a relevant organization. These organizations are working to bridge the gap between outdoor spaces and underrepresented communities. Past features include:
- August: Black in National Parks Week
- September: Soul Trak
- October: Charles Roundtree
- November: Youth Opportunities Program
- December: Black Kids Adventures
- January: The Memorial Foundation
We’re featuring Syatt (“See You At the Top”) during the month of February. Learn more about them below and please consider making a donation to support their ongoing efforts to make the outdoors more inclusive.
About Syatt►
Marcia Hood, together with her daughters Erika and Ebony, comprise Team Hood. Team Hood founded Syatt with the mission to increase access to outdoor spaces for Black and Brown youth. Simultaneously, they are creating and inspiring joy in places that haven’t traditionally been safe or welcoming to people of color.
Team Hood started the non-profit organization in 2009 with a desire to expose BIPOC youth to challenging skilled sports. To accomplish this goal, Syatt organizes year round outdoor programming for youth and adults, the U-Matter study abroad and leadership program, and Get Black Outside excursions.
Syatt helped found the Get Black Outside coalition and they were featured in USA today last year for their decade-long work towards closing the nature gap. The photos included here are courtesy of Erika Hood, co-founder of Syatt.
Support and Donate►
- Link to Donate: https://syattcle.org/support-syatt
- Website: https://syattcle.org/
- Instagram: @syatt_cle
- Twitter: @syattCLE
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYATTCLE/
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/see-you-at-the-top-cle/
Access and exposure for all is a worthy endeavour. Great to see so much affirmative action. Hope all is well T. Allan
Thanks Allan! Been so busy, need to catch up with your posts. Have you been able to get the vaccine?
Hi T. Our vaccine is a bit of a ways away. Due to no vaccines being manufactured here and the high needs of your country consuming all vaccines manufactured there, our needs are being serviced from Europe. We got bumped from some shipments due to Pfizer’s retooling to increase their production and Moderna has had some production delays as well. Our brother in care has managed both shots and our son who works in Covid wards has had his first, but has been bumped twice for his 2nd shot. We may see shots by June in our age group. How about your family? 🤞🤞
Oh that’s terrible! My parents haven’t been able to get an appointment yet. They are late 70s with serious health issues. I am also eligible, but am not trying too hard to get an appointment so those who need it more can go first. It’s very disorganized at the moment, but seems to be improving daily. Hopefully this insanity will soon be a memory. I’m sorry that my country’s dysfunction has caused yours a further delay in return to normalcy.
So glad you are doing this. I reached out to blackpackers in co springs at the end of the summer, but didn’t here back. Are any of the organizations you highlighted national? Thanks
Thanks! I think someone else in our group contacted a Colorado Springs group so we may be featuring them soon!
Great organization!
Yes!