Uncovering the Hidden Roots: Research.
This section of research became the foundation to the deeper understanding of this projects purpose. From a dive into indigenous tribes reciprocal relationship with nature to the stories and impacts that African Americans had with the wilderness and outdoors, the uncovered information that is presented serves to inform the ultimate purpose of “the earth smells old and warm and mellow.”
The Root System
The wilderness has long been a symbol for freedom and the truest expression of biodiversity. Despite false beliefs and representations, the outdoors has a long standing history of discrimination, oppression and trauma tied to the backs of African American and Black marginalized communities. The individuals in those stories were not provided freedom but rather fear of the outdoors. There are many unbeknownst Black founding stories that deserve to be shared. The brutal histories have systematically pushed African Americans further away from access and a level of safety and acceptance in the wilderness, a fear that has been passed down through generations. In order to create a level of relevancy to outdoor landmarks, we must celebrate African Americans and the trails they have blazed and the substantial impact they have made on the outdoors, through this, proper and true diversification will be established.
A dream has been planted that one day the biodiversity that we grip so tight with fervor will come to reflect the diversity of the individuals that walk the trails. This collage serves to share the volume of extensive research that supports and acknowledges all of the history of the American wilderness, celebrates the African Americans that contributed to these free spaces and builds a commitment to creating more representation through increased accessibility, comfortability and education around the outdoors.
African American Trailblazer Influence
There is still a consistent lack of diversity in outdoor spaces and around landmarks such as National Parks. Part of the reason for this is that there are misconceptions and boundaries set around the wilderness that make it less accessible and tie trauma to African Americans. There is an overwhelming lack of knowledge and education around the role that African Americans have played in supporting the push for inclusivity in the outdoors, outdoor activities and the general development of parks and public spaces in nature.
There are many African Americans that exist as hidden figures, blazing trails in the outdoor landscape and creating access to the wilderness for all individuals. Sharing these names and stories is a core, foundational step to creating a safe and accepting space outdoors. Hearing the stories of diverse communities making marks on the outdoors encourages individuals alike to find solace in these spaces. These stories will be shared through educational postcards. It is time to share the stories of these hidden figures and build a fresh foundation pillared on inclusion and accessibility.
Indigenous Influence
Individuals who reside in indigenous African tribes have developed a symbiotic balance and relationship with the Earth and the resources that exist within it. There is no intention to disturb but rather an urge to assimilate in the least disruptive manner possible with the land. The collection’s physical elements seek to pull from the resourcefulness of the indigenous tribes. Tribes such as the Hadza have mastered functionality in their processes through minimal design and intervention with the Earth and through few but effective design details such as drawstrings and removable items, this collection carries out the same. Each garment fuels inspiration from the organic shapes and textures that occur in nature with a hope that while naturally disconnected, we can find elements that reconnect us with the natural world.
