Reflecting on Systemic Racism in Conservation By Bennett Knox
I
believe it remains a fair statement that Black people and other people of color are generally underrepresented in the broadly defined conservation field. Events of the past year, including the death of Breonna Taylor in my city of Louisville, Kentucky, have revealed the racial status quo to be unacceptable. In the face of environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change, that have affected and will continue to affect communities of color more disproportionately, it should be no surprise that there is a growing demand for a shift in power dynamics that gives greater voice and representation to those populations more negatively impacted. So rather than offering a recitation of a problem we know exists, perhaps it is useful to explore some self-reflection as conservation professionals on the systemic issues at play and our role in altering the status quo. I can only speak from my experiences as a white person who recognizes the privileges that have benefited me on my path to my chosen career in the field of conservation.
24 Parks & Recreation
Growing up, I had many experiences around nature and took part in a wide range of outdoor extracurricular activities. But a more honest appraisal of my youth re-
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Young adults participating in Louisville (Kentucky) is Engaging Children Outdoors (ECHO) summer job training gained construction skills and learned about ways green infrastructure can improve water quality as they constructed a bio-infiltration trench in Chickasaw Park. This project was funded as part of NRPA’s Great Urban Parks Campaign.
veals the myriad of advantages, many based in historical racism, that have facilitated my professional path. Today, I am thankful to be positioned to oversee stewardship, outdoor education and recreation, and guest services as administrator of the Natural Areas Division of Louisville Parks and Recreation. As such, I have obtained a certain degree of authority over decisions related to staffing and resource allo-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUISVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
CONSERVATION
