Graphic designed by Sheridan Alford and Danielle Bettany.
The inaugural Black Birders Week took place in 2020 and quickly became a viral movement. This now-annual event addresses the challenges Black birdwatchers face, such as underrepresentation and overt racism, while shedding light on how justice and equity play a part in the conservation field and recreational birding.
Each day of Black Birders Week features a different theme and Twitter hashtag that promote diversity in birdwatching while celebrating Black culture. The founders envisioned that this event could be a springboard to shape a more diverse, inclusive future for birding, conservation, and the natural sciences.
You can learn more details about the week’s events at blackafinstem.com.
“The birds and the outdoors are for all of us to enjoy. Don’t let anybody make you think otherwise, and don’t let anyone deny you the tremendous joy, wonder, and sense of well-being that being outdoors and looking at and listening to birds can bring.” ~ Christian Cooper
This article appeared in the 2021 Spring Jack Pine Warbler.
If you have a #BlackBirdersWeek event that you would like added to the community calendar, please contact Communications & Marketing Coordinator Molly Keenan at mkeenan@michiganaudubon.org.
Resources to Explore and Media Coverage of Black Birders Week From 2020
Reflecting on #BlackBirdersWeek
By Michigan Audubon. June 15, 2020
Rules for the Black Birdwatcher – With Drew Lanham
BirdNote. Feb. 28, 2015
Birding While Black
By J. Drew Lanham. Literary Hub; Sept. 22, 2016
Bird-Watching While Black: A Wildlife Ecologist Shares His Tips | Short Film Showcase
National Geographic. Nov. 6, 2016
The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair With Nature
By J. Drew Lanham. June 13, 2017
‘Black Birders Week’ Promotes Diversity and Takes on Racism in the Outdoors
By Jillian Mock, National Audubon Society, June 1, 2020
First, Listen. Then, Learn: Anti-Racism Resources For White People
By Julia Wuench. Forbes; June 2, 2020
These Black nature lovers are busting stereotypes, one cool bird at a time
By AJ Willingham. CNN; June 3, 2020
Black Birders Week: An Ode to Our Allies
By Crystal Johnson. June 4, 2020
Birding While Black: A Candid Conversation — Session One
National Audubon Society Facebook Live; June 4, 2020
Birding While Black: A Candid Conversation — Session Two
National Audubon Society Facebook Live; June 4, 2020
Black Birding Is About Hope
By Kathleen Hou. The Cut; June 4, 2020
7 Anti-Racist Books Recommended by Educators and Activists
By The Editors. The Strategist; June 5, 2020
Racist Birding Incident Sparks Joyful Online Event #BlackBirdersWeek
By Julie Grant. The Allegheny Front; June 5, 2020
Black Birders Call Out Racism, Say Nature Should Be for Everyone
By Andrea Thompson. Scientific American; June 5, 2020