February is Black History Month.  This month of recognition and celebration of Black Americans began as a one-week event in 1926.  “The intention (of Black History Month) has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.”, writes ASALH on their website.  For Black History Month this year, CuriOdyssey brings attention to three individuals or organizations that merit emphasis in the fields of STEM education and conservation.

Black History Month: Leader in Outdoor Education

Danielle Williams

The first of the three leaders is Danielle Williams.  Danielle is the founder of DiversifyOutdoors.com and the Senior Editor for Melanin Base Camp.  Through both of these organizations, Danielle presents “the goal of promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented.”  Danielle has put together the Melanin Base Camp website where you can receive advice and direction for getting started in a sport and the gear you’ll need.  On the website, “You can also read interviews with grassroots activists, environmentalists and educators as well as longform articles on complex issues like race, gender, sexuality and disability in the outdoor community.”

CuriOdyssey celebrates Danielle Williams for broadening the scope of what it means to be an outdoor adventure athlete, expanding BIPOC representation in outdoor and recreational spaces, and opening pathways for people to be able to see themselves and others in the outdoors.  Through the websites DiversifyOutdoors.com and MelaninBaseCamp.com, Danielle is providing space for people to share their stories, learn from others, and expand who they are.  CuriOdyssey believes that children who have equal opportunity to experience the outdoors will foster a curiosity for environmental conservation.  Danielle Williams and organizations like Diversify Outdoors and Melanin Base Camp open doors that welcome BIPOC children to see themselves in outdoor activities, outdoor STEM education, and as conservationists.