Welcome to the Nature Up Bookshelf

“Nature Swagger” by Rue Mapp

 

March-April 2023 Featured Book

Nature Swagger BY Rue Mapp

About the book: “An exquisite combination of beautiful photography and compelling stories, this book from Outdoor Afro founder, Rue Mapp, celebrates Black joy in nature. Interspersed throughout are essays from Mapp on the rich history of Black involvement in the outdoors, activism, and conservation, as well as resources for readers who want to deepen their own connection with the elements. This collection is the perfect gift for anyone looking to heal in these sacred natural spaces.” Read more on the book’s page.

Why Carolyn picked this story to feature: The mainstream environmental movement has historically focused on the white experience in nature. Until recently, it was rare to see photos of Black hikers in magazines or Black scientists in nature documentaries. This is a book I wish I had growing up—I would have benefitted from seeing different people spending time in nature doing many different things. Nature is for everyone, and there’s no right way to spend time in it.

This book is a collection of stories compiled by Rue Mapp, the founder of Outdoor Afro. Each narrative is written by a Black person who loves spending time in nature. There are stories about swimming, hiking, summiting, growing food, beekeeping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, climbing trees, running around with kids—the list is huge and diverse. And running through each story is a beautiful shining thread of joy.

Representation matters. Kids (and adults!) need to be able to see themselves in outdoor or nature role models. It’s so important that we as an environmental community make space for and lift up voices that have been silenced for so long. Read this book, reflect on all of the joy that nature brings people, and then recommend it to a friend!

Quote we love: 

“You can lay down your burden in the wilderness, and take advantage of its restorative powers; I’m not sure enough African Americans know that. In wild places you can be yourself without all the pressures of society. Nobody judges you, expects you to think or act a certain way. For African Americans this can be extremely liberating and healing—it gives you time to consider who you really are, to understand yourself in ways you never could in an urban space. To me that’s freedom, medicine, and I wish I could help every Black person in America experience it.” —Dudley Edmondson (p. 122)

Other Resources:

 

Bookshelf Artwork by Green Sparrow Arts