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Who are We?
AfroNature is a Nature based, safe space for Black Portland and beyond. Our collective exists for a multitude of reasons:
Reclaiming our space in Nature.
Lack of access, generational trauma passed down from our ancestors, and a myriad of other reasons lead Black people to have a sense of unfamiliarity with Nature. How many Black people did you see when you last went hiking? You can count how many you saw on one hand. We exist to change this narrative, and to reacquaint ourselves with the Great Outdoors.
Peace for ya mental.✌🏿
Nature brings a sense of peace, serenity, and connectedness to everything around you. Studies back this assertion up: A 2016 study done by Yale University showed that, from a walk in the park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, Nature has the ability to lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.
With the daily stresses of being Black in America, AfroNature seeks to provide Black people with much needed peace and mental health restoration through Nature.
Building community!
The Black community in Portland has seen themselves pushed out further and further from the neighborhoods they grew up in, due to gentrification. With not many Black people living in Portland to start (or the Pacific Northwest for that matter), this has led the Black community to become smaller and more disparate. The influx of transplants from around the country has helped to alleviate some of that, but it is still a problem that persists.
AfroNature exists to bring the Black community together, and to create strong bonds between the people living here. All forms of Blackness are welcome! No matter your background, sexuality, religious beliefs, political standing, etc. You are loved.
