DiverseNPS: Syatt

We’re exciting to be kicking off February’s Black History Month with another addition to our DiverseNPS series.  As part of our ongoing commitment to ending systemic racism and changing the inequilities that exist in outdoor spaces, we’re joining with others in supporting and lifting up organizations dedicated to bridging the race gap in outdoor spaces.  Check out today’s post describing the DiverseNPS initiative and our February featured organization, Cleveland-based Syatt

Syatt Logo

As outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of America’s parks, we’ve experienced the benefits of connecting with nature and our diverse landscapes. From city parks where we can get a taste of green amid cemented city blocks, to recharging strolls and hikes in the millions of acres of our state parks, to treks and climbs in the breathtaking landscapes in our national parks, the chance to be in nature is an experience we hold invaluable.

Undoubtedly, our lands should be enjoyed by all of us, but when we look into who is getting access to our lands, we see alarmingly disproportionate statistics that highlight a gap between race and park visitations. When we examine the reasons why these gaps are present—access, education, resources, discrimination and prejudice—we understand that systemic racism in our country is the major contributor to these disappointing disproportions.

In the National Park System, for example, Black Americans make up about 7 percent of visitors, while they are 13 percent of the U.S. population. Moreover, 78 percent of visitors are White.

The end of the Jim Crow era in 1968, showcases that Black American generations have only recently gained the freedom and liberty to move around this country. Still today, minorities face prejudice and discrimination within our outdoor spaces and, often, cannot safely and comfortably enjoy outdoor recreation.

AS PARK ENTHUSIASTS AND ADVOCATES OF SPENDING TIME IN NATURE, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING RACISM WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY.​

To do so, we are taking action to use our platforms to contribute to the progress that is much needed within the outdoor space and community.

As a part of this community, Park Chasers will join with others in highlighting organizations that are dedicated to bridging the race gap in the outdoor space by connecting opportunities and experiences to people of color.

Each month, we are featuring and focusing on one organization, with the intent to showcase their hard work, raise awareness and support them through funding and donations. We’ll share monthly articles and social media posts along with links for how you can donate.

Syatt Gallery

THIS MONTH'S ORGANIZATION: Syatt

Syatt Logo

During the month of February we’ll be sharing the work of Syatt, a Cleveland, Ohio 501(c)3 organization located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  

Syatt, short for “See You At The Top”, was founded by a mother and two daughters—TeamHood: Marcia, Erika, and Ebony Hood—with a mission to increase access to outdoor spaces for Black and Brown youth, while simultaneously creating and inspiring joy in places that haven’t traditionally been safe or welcoming to people of color.

Syatt

Syatt's Mission:

SYATT's (See You At The Top)'s MISSION is to support its community through culturally relevant programming in the natural and built environment, where youth and adults experience relief leading to life-changing transformation. SYATT recognizes the adverse legacy people of color have faced in America. It is their VISION that youth and adults experience a world where they know they belong and feel empowered.
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To accomplish this mission and vision, Syatt organizes year-round outdoor programming for youth and adults, U-Matter study abroad and leadership program, and Get Black Outside excursions.  Recently, Syatt was featured in a USA Today article about the nature gap and how important it is to continue inviting Black youth outdoors.  To beat the chilly winter months at home during the pandemic they’re organizing ski weekends and night hikes in the parks around Cleveland. 
SYATT - family 4

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT A MORE DIVERSE NPS?

DONATE

Organizations like Syatt rely on private donations now more than ever to sustain the work that they do to increase access to the outdoors for everyone.  Consider joining us in making a contribution this month to Syatt or another organization centered on diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.

COMMITTED TO ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SYATT

Want to find more information about organizations like Syatt?  To see a full overview of organizations we have supported, follow the link below. In this document, you can find information about what organizations like Syatt are doing and how you can donate to them directly.

HAVE AN ORGANIZATION WE CAN HIGHLIGHT?

We have also created a submission form if you know of an organization who’s doing the work to make the outdoors more diverse and inclusive. If you want to see them supported, please submit via the form below:
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Chasing a visit to all 400+ units in the NPS
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