Outdoor (spaces), (places), and (faces)

Outdoor (spaces) (places) and (faces)

By: Jessica Ibes

April 8th, 2019

 

Environmental (in) justice, where does it appear? What form does it take? On December 6th in Fall Quarter 2018, Dr. Carolyn Finney helped answer that question. Speaking to over 400 people, Dr. Finney told the story about Ten Thousand Recollections: Black Faces, White Spaces, and the Power of US.

With over 400 Western students attending (and my parents tuning in remotely) Dr. Finney shared her story of outdoor spaces, recreational places, and the consequence of different faces. Her story stretched through childhood memories of living in upstate New York. Growing up, the outdoors is where her parents worked. The outdoors provided their livelihood. Beyond her childhood and entering college, Dr. Finney studied Geography. Her perception of outdoors shifted yet again.

Continuing with her lecture, Dr. Finney discussed her mission to educate and increase awareness of issues arising from racism and segregation in outdoor spaces. She explored topics beginning with the Jim Crow laws to the impacts racism currently has on representation in the outdoors. Dr. Finney’s speech was profound. Even with her lighthearted manorisms and presentation style, the importance of her mission trickled through the crowd. Her lecture can be watched here, and her book can be purchased here.

Many Western students continue to remember the topics Dr. Finney discussed. So much so that to kick off Spring quarter, the EJ events committee will be showing the film,  An American Ascent, at WWU .on Wednesday April 10th at 6:00pm in Fraser 102. The film expands on concepts Dr. Finney uncovered for us all. An American Ascent demonstrates the impact of underrepresentation in outdoor spaces. A group of African-American climbers attempts to reach the summit of Mount Denali.

This film offers a great example of how divided recreational domains truly are. Before Dr. Finney I had a hard time picturing where racism and segregation appear in environmental topics. After her lecture on the histories of environmental racism, and her own personal anecdotes, I no longer have such vague knowledge about environmental (in) justice; however, An American Ascent will provide even more examples of how unfortunately segregated the system remains.

In addition to gaining understanding of racism in outdoor recreation through the film, a discussion panel will also be held after. Panelists include Andy Basabe (Vamanos Outdoor Recreation) and and Jasmine Goodnow (Shifting Gears). They will answer questions directly pertaining to outdoor recreation.