Black People Don’t Make Stoke Films!
Black people are often overlooked in the outdoor industry, despite being just as capable and passionate about exploring the outdoors as their white counterparts. This is particularly true in the space of adventure stoke films – those adrenaline-pumping, action-packed films that showcase the thrills of the outdoors. It’s shocking to discover that most of the stoke films featuring black folks are hardly ever done from the black perspective using an all black/BIPOC crew.
It’s not that there is a lack of enthusiasm or expertise from people of color when it comes to taking on challenging environments. A burgeoning black outdoorsmen and women community continues to grow, complete with vibrant adventurers pushing the boundaries in kayaking, snowboarding, caving, mountain climbing, mountaineering, and other high-octane outdoor activities. Yet black people remain under-represented in the outdoor industry, representing a mere 4% of the research funded by the National Park Services and 8.1% of the National Park Services staff.
This is where I come in. I am determined to continue to create all-black and all BIPOC adventure stoke film and use it to amplify the voiceless outdoor enthusiast. While also sharing stories that aren’t just about our struggles with being black in these spaces. With more representation of outdoor adventurers from all ethnic backgrounds, we can make progress towards creating a more inclusive outdoor community. Through creating this film, I hope to inspire an outdoorsman or woman in every corner of the country, no matter their gender, race, or ethnicity. A real win for me with this project and future work is to get those letters in the mail or DMs stating “I’m saving up for my bike, or skateboard, or to take this trip or learn to snowboard or whatever it is that challenges the expectations of what it means to be black!
Being a part of an all-black adventure stoke film is was a huge undertaking. Lots of lessons were learned. I literally risked my life for this film! (Ask me about how I almost drowned trying to learn to shoot with a water housing) With an emphasis on representation, I will use my platform as both a director and an adventurer to provide an honest, authentic look into the world of outdoor adventuring. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to have fun, adventure, and create amazing memories in the outdoors, no matter the skin color or gender. Here’s to shattering stereotypes and helping to create a more equitable adventure film industry!