Like many people across the country, we at Audubon North Carolina are grappling with the events of the weekend and our role in addressing injustices with roots much deeper than the current moment.
Audubon celebrates diversity in the bird world, and the equally remarkable diversity of the human species. We unequivocally condemn racist sentiments, behavior, and systems that undermine the humanity, rights, and freedom of Black people.
In our work, that means doing whatever we can to ensure that the outdoors – and the joy of birds – is safe, welcoming, and accessible for all people. It also means that equity and environmental justice need to be at the forefront of our conservation efforts. And that our staff, leadership, and partnerships must closely reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We have work to do. But we are committed to doing it, today and every day forward.
This week, I hope you’ll join us in promoting and participating in the inaugural #BlackBirdersWeek. A group of Black scientists, birders, and outdoor explorers organized the campaign to celebrate Black people in the outdoors and birders specifically.
The National Audubon Society is supporting the initiative by co-hosting the #BirdingWhileBlack livestream conversation on Facebook on Thursday at noon and again at 7 pm ET. We encourage you to follow the hashtags on social media and amplify Black voices throughout the week.
More resources:
- Dr. J. Drew Lanham’s keynote address from the 2017 Audubon Convention
- Jason Ward’s essay on how the woods can be perilous for Black people
- Audubon CEO David Yarnold’s message to Audubon staff after a weekend of turmoil and heartbreak in the wake of George Floyd’s murder
- National Audubon Society’s statement on the incident in Central Park’s Ramble
Take care,
Andrew Hutson
Executive Director, Audubon North Carolina
Vice President, National Audubon Society
