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It’s day one of #BlackBirdersWeek and we’re amplifying #BlackInNature . But don’t let a rt be all you do today.

A thread.

Once at a conference, a white woman running a diversity and inclusion program was at the podium. She was talking about how diversity was increasing albeit it was mostly white women but that’s progress at least right?

And she was so serious. She said the interest wasnt there in POC. Totally ignoring the fact that Black people have been actively forced out of outdoor recreation and careers for the crime of being born Black. But I digress.

As a Black outdoor enthusiast and professional forged by an HBCU, I was appalled. When I confronted her, she apologized and acknowledged Black people exist in nature related careers.

But why did EYE have to say something? Me, a second year grad student in a room with plenty of professionals and faculty members. I was 1 of 2 Black ppl there. I was a grad student putting my neck on the line.

If I can be brave enough as an early career scientist not even out of grad school to say this. YOU can be brave enough to say something in your tenured position. In your head of a regional office position. In whatever your position of power is.

Let’s be clear, the foundation of the scientific community/academia, was built on white supremacist ideologies just like every other American institution. The only way to move forward is to acknowledge this, have all stakeholders commit to +change, & reject those who won’t.

It’s time for you to reflect. If someone says you’re doing or saying something racist don’t get offended. Give a genuine apology, ask how you can do better, and never make that mistake again. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Being called racist or being called out for doing/saying something racist is not as bad or worse than your racist action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY AND DO BETTER. STOP LETTING PEOPLE GET AWAY WITH RACIST JOKES. STOP BEING IDLE AND SILENT. NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK UP AND SPEAK OUT. MOBILIZE.

The time of acting like these issues don’t affect the scientific community is over. If it touches Black Scientists it touches science. If white scientists are perpetrators of racism and other forms of white supremacy it affects science.

Today as you amplify #BlackInNature , commit to taking an active and visible stand against racism. If you want to do something rn donate to your local bail fund. Donate food/supplies to those protesting to preserve Black lives. #BlackBirdersWeek