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The ROSE of Parks Affect: Barriers to Participation in the Outdoor Recreation Sector

Reco Bembry coined the term ROSE to highlight the significant barriers faced by Black Washingtonians in outdoor recreation. ROSE stands for Racism, Oppression, Supremacy, and Exclusion. These barriers have historically prevented equitable access to nature and outdoor activities.

Who Was Rosa Parks?

Rosa Parks was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, defying segregation laws. Her courageous act of resistance became a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a significant event in the fight against racial segregation and for civil rights in the United States.

Our Goal
Our goal is to create fair and just opportunities in careers, recreation, healing, and community efforts through nature, without repeating the mistakes of the past. We are committed to avoiding the broken agreements, treaties, and laws that led to colonization and its lasting impacts. By embracing the concept of "Outdoors for All," we strive to bring our diverse cultures into nature while respecting the sovereign rights of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Key Focus Areas

  • Combating Racism: Actively addressing and working against racial biases and systemic racism that exclude Black individuals from outdoor spaces.
  • Ending Oppression: Creating inclusive environments that uplift and empower Black communities by removing oppressive practices and policies.
  • Challenging Supremacy: Dismantling structures of supremacy that prioritize certain groups over others, ensuring equitable access and representation in all outdoor activities and spaces.
  • Preventing Exclusion: Actively including Black voices in decision-making processes, programming, and leadership roles in outdoor recreation.

By fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and equitable outdoor environment where all communities can thrive in nature. Join us in this mission to build a future where every culture is celebrated, every agreement is honored, and every community can enjoy the healing and unifying power of nature.

You can find more details in this report and in The Nature Gap report by the Hispanic Access Foundation and the Center for American Progress.

Find more on the barriers to the outdoors at Western Resource Advocates.