Outdoor recreation offers numerous benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, yet green spaces have long been marred by systemic barriers that perpetuate whiteness and exclude marginalized communities. ”Overcoming Mountains: A Circle Discussion on Dismantling Whiteness in Green Spaces” will delve into the significance of deconstructing whiteness within these natural environments through guided roundtable conversations led by the founder of Black Eudaimonia, Lamia West.

By convening stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including environmental activists, community organizers, students, and outdoor enthusiasts from Black communities, our discussion aims to confront the legacy of racial injustice embedded in green spaces. Through academic data, reflective dialogue, and shared experiences, participants will explore strategies for fostering inclusivity, equity, and belonging in these spaces. Together, we will examine critical topics, including access to land, community building, representation within media, historic preservation, and environmental justice, to unearth the intersections between race, power, and nature.

Our discussion will highlight the importance of centering Black voices, challenging dominant narratives, and implementing anti-racist practices to create green spaces that are genuinely welcoming and accessible for all. By collectively overcoming the mountains of systemic racism, this circle discussion aims to pave the way for transformative change in the environmental movement toward equity and justice.

Speaker: Lamia West