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Camping is often called America’s favorite outdoor activity. But camping and national parks have a complicated past when it comes to racial equality and equal access for all.
One modern barrier to entry: the cost of camping gear. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
One modern barrier to entry: the cost of camping gear. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
From 2010-2014, 94.6% of visitors to national forests identified as white. People who identified as Latino made up 5.7%, and those who identified as Black made up 1.2%. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
On a camping trip, Mo Jackson woke up at 5 a.m. to start a fire and make breakfast. The beauty moved them to tears.
“I had the most clarifying moment. You know, I just thought, I wish everyone could feel this.”
They decided to do something about it. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
“I had the most clarifying moment. You know, I just thought, I wish everyone could feel this.”
They decided to do something about it. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
“That day I was like, OK, what can I do to get more Black people outdoors? And I thought, well, I have enough savings to get three camping kits together.”
They posted on Instagram asking if any people of color wanted a free camping kit with 2 sleeping bags, a tent and a cooler.
They posted on Instagram asking if any people of color wanted a free camping kit with 2 sleeping bags, a tent and a cooler.
They included a Venmo account so people could donate.
The post brought in close to $500, which, combined with their savings, paid for five camping kits. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
The post brought in close to $500, which, combined with their savings, paid for five camping kits. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
Growing up, “my dad and I would almost always be the only Black people at any camp we went to,” Jackson said.
Since launching BIPOC Camping Kits, they've shipped more than 200 kits. They had to cap requests at 600. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
Since launching BIPOC Camping Kits, they've shipped more than 200 kits. They had to cap requests at 600. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
BIPOC Camping Kits is using GoFundMe to pay to fulfill the remaining requests. So far, the nonprofit has raised more than $58,000. https://www.gofundme.com/f/Bipoccampingkits
“Black and Indigenous people have historically had connections to nature and the land that have been stripped from us,” Jackson said. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
“My bigger picture is full solidarity; it’s going to take all of us coming together to topple these racist systems so we can find our sacred places again, and find peace again, together.” https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-10/want-more-people-of-color-in-the-outdoors-give-them-gear
