February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - 24

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-

| F E B R UA RY 2 02 1 | PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N .O R G

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

February 2021 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2021 - Parks & Recreation

February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - Cover1
February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - Cover2
February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - 1
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February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - Cover3
February 2021 - Parks & Recreation - Cover4
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