A Celebration of Us Past, Present, and Future
Black History Month invites us to remember, recognize, and celebrate the enduring contributions of Black Americans to the progress of this country. At BPDSO, we are taking this moment to honor our legacy in outdoor spaces—spaces we have explored, stewarded, protected, and enjoyed, even when history failed to acknowledge our presence.
Long before representation became a conversation, Black people were already outside. We were charting land, navigating rivers, climbing peaks, protecting parks, and building a relationship with the natural world rooted in curiosity, skill, and belonging.
Many of these stories remain untold—particularly in the context of the American great outdoors. They are not always taught in classrooms or reflected in popular narratives. That absence is precisely why Black History Month matters, and why telling our own stories is essential.
So today, we call some of their names in recognition and celebration:
- York, an enslaved man and full participant in the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806), whose skill, courage, and insight helped chart the path west, even when history overlooked him.
- Hiram Young (1812–1882), a master wagon maker and entrepreneur, whose ingenuity supported westward expansion and reshaped frontier life.
- Charles Young (1864–1922), the first Black superintendent of a national park, who laid the foundation for conservation, park management, and inclusion in spaces long denied to Black Americans.
- Matthew Henson (1866–1955), an Arctic explorer who reached the North Pole, showing the world that exploration and courage know no racial boundaries.
- Hattie Carthan (1900–1984), a visionary environmental activist and community leader, whose advocacy for urban green spaces in Brooklyn empowered generations to connect with nature.
These pioneers remind us that Black presence in the outdoors is not new—it is continuous, resilient, and transformative.
And this story does not stop in the past.
Today, we are making history in real time—hiking, camping, climbing, paddling, leading, teaching, and creating community across the country. We are reclaiming visibility, redefining what outdoors culture looks like, and ensuring that joy, wellness, and connection to nature are not gatekept.
At BPDSO, we exist at the intersection of legacy and possibility. We honor those who came before us, celebrate ourselves in the present, and look forward to a future where Black presence in outdoor spaces is unquestioned, expansive, and thriving.
Black History Month is not only about remembrance—it is about continuity. We have always been here, we are here now, and we will continue shaping the outdoors for generations to come.
With joy and on purpose—
See you outside,
B.P.D.S.O.
