February is Black History Month—an entire month dedicated to the history of some of those too often ignored in the history books. A month to learn about and celebrate the lives of people who have shaped our nation in ways great and small—and to celebrate those who continue to do so.
We encourage you to explore the opportunities to learn in your community, wherever you are in Washington. Here are a few resources we’re calling on within our office this month. Some of these relate to the outdoors, some do not, but we think all are worth sharing. If you have suggestions to add to the list, let us know! In no particular order, may we recommend:
Things to Read
Knowing the Past Opens the Door to the Future: The Continuing Importance of Black History Month
Lions and Tigers and Black Folk, Oh My! Why Black People Should Take Up Space in the Outdoors
NOLS Expedition Denali – Inspiring Diversity in the Outdoors
Self-Care in the Mountains: Magic in the Rwenzoris
Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors
Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landscape
Black Spokane: The Civil Rights Struggle in the Inland Northwest (And Black Spokane, a WSU article about the book)
Places to Go
Northwest African American Museum
Seattle Parks & Rec’s Exploration of parks named for African American Leaders
Seattle Times’ Buffalo Soldiers resources list
Groups & Folks to Follow:
Things to Listen To: