A woman set up a walking group specifically for black women beause she felt that outdoor activities were not welcoming spaces for people of colour.
Rhiane Fatinikun, from Greater Manchester, was on a train riding through the Peak District when she was so inspired by the stunning scenery she knew she had to create something to make nature more accessible.
‘My mum raised me to appreciate a nice view, we took the scenic route everywhere. While I was admiring the view from the train, I just said to myself; “I’m taking up hiking this year”.
‘I posted a video on my Instagram and tagged it BGH and a few days later I set up the Instagram page @bgh_uk.
‘I made it exclusively for black girls because there’s no diversity in the outdoors, it’s a space that’s accessible but not really inclusive.’
Rhiane says there is a chronic lack of representation in the world of outdoor sports – from shows to advertising and magazines – she rarely sees faces that look like hers.
Walking should be the most accessible activity – you don’t need fancy equipment, training or expensive sports halls – but she says the lack of visible diversity makes walking groups unappealing for women of colour.
‘Black people tend to live in urban areas, getting out into rural areas can be intimidating for some. You stand out and don’t always get the best reception,’ Rhiane tells us.
‘On one of our walks in the Peak District, we were told to “go back to the ghetto”.’
Rhiane is happy that progress is happening, but she still thinks that the efforts by big brands to create diversity often feels more tokenistic than authentic.
‘Some are getting it right, but naturally, progress is slow,’ she says. ‘It’s not something that can be changed overnight.
‘Representation matters, it’s important to see people you identify with – that’s what inspires people.’
Rhiana works full-time in an office as a civil servant, so her free time is incredibly important to her – it needs to be fulfilling. Hiking ticks that box – and not simply because of the health benefits of walking.
‘Everyone knows the outdoors is great for mental and physical health,’ she says, ‘and so is building community with like-minded individuals.
‘Black Girls Hike isn’t just a walking group, it’s a safe space for black women to be themselves without being misunderstood.
‘Offices tend to be predominantly white environments. Being able to explore the outdoors in a safe space, with people who share your experiences and not having to worry about microaggressions or casual racism, is refreshing but also essential for our well-being.
‘We all need that time out. Hiking has uncovered a sense of adventure I didn’t even know I had.’
One of the most satisfying things about setting up Black Girls Hike has been the reaction from the women who have joined. Rhiane says getting positive feedback from black women from all walks of life has been incredibly uplifting.
Rhiane has connected with women with no hiking experience or low confidence and has seen how they are able to flourish in a supportive environment.
‘This group has encouraged me to get back into the countryside,’ wrote one woman on the group’s Facebook page.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1UUzbqhykH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
‘By creating a safe, non-judgemental group of women, it has been great to explore my back yard.’
‘I started BGH to challenge myself. Bilateral sciatica and excessive walking usually doesn’t mix,’ added another. ‘But with the help of my crutch and this phenomenal group of women of colour, they supported and encouraged me to finish the walk, with lots of belly laughs, storytelling and song.
‘It’s amazing to be out in nature and feel accepted and not judged.’
Another said: ‘So fortunate to have come across BGH, a place where women of colour can experience nature and sisterhood, without feeling like the odd one out.’
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source https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/12/black-girls-hike-diversifying-great-outdoors-nature-accessible-not-inclusive-11807187/
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