DENVER — Just because the great outdoors are open to all, does not mean all feel welcome.
In recent years, the stories of Ahmaud Arbery, Chris Cooper and even hikers here in Colorado have highlighted the harassment and violence people of color face for simply recreating.
Today, organizations are working to improve representation and safety in the outdoors. One such organization, The BIPOC Mountain Collective, is based in Denver. (BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.)
Soha Kushitama works with the club and explained in an interview with Rocky Mountain PBS how she has heard from several people of color who have been told things like skiing, kayaking and mountain biking are "white" activities.
Kushitama explained that when people of color are surrounded by other BIPOC people who have a love for the outdoors, they can feel welcomed and safe. She said that the newfound safety is a vital first step to enjoying the outdoors.
“From exploring, you start to evolve who you are, and that starts to elevate what you think is possible,” Kushitama said. “Because you see somebody else doing a new feature or you see somebody else that’s coaching you that reminds you of yourself, that becomes this new level of increasing your understanding of what outdoors can be for you.”