There’s definitely been a diversity gap when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, largely because of historic discrimination, but those statistics may be changing.
Data from the National Health Foundation shows about 70% of those who visit national forests, national wildlife refuges and national parks are white — and Black people are the least of any group. Resources Magazine argues that some reasons for that include affordability and access; lack of early childhood experiences; cultural factors, like feelings of not fitting in; historical discrimination, such as Black people being banned or segregated from national or state parks in 1964; historical trauma and concerns of physical safety.
“Full Circle Everest” expedition team member Dom Mullins joins “Prime” host Charles Blow to discuss his group’s push to inspire more Black people to explore the outdoors, as well as their desire to be the first-ever all-Black team to summit the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.