Representation influences our psyche whether or not we choose to admit it. It demonstrates what’s possible, it gives us a road map to follow, and most importantly, it shows us that we belong and we’re valued. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the outdoors, it’s a daily struggle to find themselves reflected in outdoor media. From advertisements, articles, and films the stereotypical outdoorsman is often portrayed as white. This lack of diversity creates a limited idea of what it means to be outdoorsy.
RELATED: Here are a Handful of BIPOC Organizations You Can Support
There may be fewer BIPOC in the outdoors, but they’re still out there and they’re breaking down barriers for their communities. If we want to make the outdoors a more inclusive space, then a good first step is recognizing and elevating voices like these so that more people can empathize and relate with them. Will following these accounts fix systemic racism overnight? No. But celebrating outdoor leaders like these is a good step in the right direction.
CYCLING
- Anita Naidu | @abrownpanther | MTB
- Ayesha Rosena Anna McGowan | @ayesuppose | Road
- Brooklyn Bell | @badgal_brooky | MTB
- Cory Williams | @nationsnumber1beast | Road
- Eliot Jackson | @eliotjackson | MTB
- Justin Williams | @juswilliamz Road | Founder of L39ion of Los Angeles cycling team
- Ikhide Ikhigbonoaremen | @mans_not_hot__ | MTB
- Kaz Yamamura | @kazyamamura | MTB & Photography
- L Rogers | @slimone1000 | Road
- Rachel Olzer | @rachel.olzer | Founder Pedal 2 the People
- Rajesh Magar | @rjripper | MTB
- Tracy | @tronlives | MTB
SNOWSPORTS
- Austin Montreil Leonard | @theburrrprint | Fly Fisher & Snowboarder
- Austin Hironaka | @hironakasan | Snowboarder & Hot Rod-er
- Brian Rice | @flyinbrian_2 | Snowboarder
- Brolin Mawejje | @thabyronma Snowboarder
- Chelsea Waddell | @waddellchelsea | Snowboarder
- Connor Ryan | @sacredstoke | Skier
- Dennis Ranalter | @dennisranalter | Skier
- Gabrielle Maiden | @gabbymaiden Snowboarder & Actor
- Jake Mageau | @m1sta_mango | Skier
- Markus Fohr | @markusfohr | Skier
- Russell Winfield | @misterwinfield | Snowboarder
- Ryan Hudson | @rhudsonsb | Snowboarder
- Zebulon Powell | @zebpowelll | Snowboarder
Surfing
Chrissana W. | @sandycurlz
Kaniela Stewart | @kani_tsunami
Mikey February | @mikeyfebruary
Nique Miller | @nique_miller
Ryan Harris | @ryharrisshapes | Surfboard Shaper
Climbing
- Akudo Thandeka Zola Mbali | @forrestinthe_forrest
- Ashima Shiraishi | @ashimashiraishi
- Bella Rojas | @bellabellarojas
- Brittany Leavitt | @bleavitt8 | @OutdoorAfro Leader & @BrownGirlsClimb Regional Director
- Fred Campbell | @fred_climbs
- Hiram Trejo | @hhhhiram
- Kai Lightner | @kailightner
- L.R. Blount | @urbanclimbr
- Mélise Marie | @meliseymo | Founder M.U.S.E Mentorship
- Nina Williams | @sheneenagins
- Raheim Robinson | @rahrobinson | Actor
- Sabrina Chapman | @sabrinachapman80
- Sasha | @nibblekit | @BrownGirlsClimb Leader
- Savannah McCauley | @sj_mccauley | Photographer
- Shelma Jun | https://www.instagram.com/shelmatic/ | Filmmaker & Founder of Flash Foxy
- Summer | @summerseeking
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