WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

The mission of Black Women in Nature is to cultivate space for Black women to engage in mindful movement, authentic sisterhood, and environmental awareness while exploring the holistic, ancestral roots of the outdoors.

Black Women in Nature is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Central Ohio, led by co-founders Ivory Levert and Angela Mitchell, that provides Black women with equitable access to the outdoors. As a traditionally underrepresented group, we are changing the narrative around the outdoors by creating safe spaces for Black women to explore and experience the healing benefits of nature. Through our efforts, we are creating a unique pathway for healing, restoration and release that empowers Black women to spend time in nature.

WHAT WE DO

We offer guided outdoor nature experiences and wellness retreats consisting of gentle yoga, meditation, hiking, reflective dialogue and more to improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of Black women.

OUR PILLARS

Health & Wellness

We prioritize caring for the whole person through various forms of wellness including physical, mental, emotional, environmental and social well-being. Our gatherings are uniquely curated to help folks connect more deeply with themselves, with one another, and with the outdoors.

Environmental Justice

We recognize the history of injustice that has disproportionately made access to nature and green spaces inaccessible to Black women and people of color. Our gatherings prioritize nature education and environmental awareness that not only strives for equitable access to our experiences but also creates space for building a give and receive relationship between humans and mother nature.

Ancestral Lineage

We understand that Black folks and POC have a rich history with the outdoors. We prioritize helping Black women reconnect and relearn healthy practices in nature through intergenerational programming and experiences.

Community Care

We believe in the transformative power of experiencing a connected community. We prioritize creating space for reflective dialogue and intentional activities that leave participants feeling more supported and affirmed in who they are.

HOW IT ALL began

Black Women in Nature (BWIN) was founded in 2020 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. While people around the world were impacted by the pandemic, Black and brown communities experienced disproportionate levels of stress, COVID-19-related deaths, hospitalizations and health challenges due to pre-existing structural and social inequities.

Black Women in Nature was created to help mitigate these challenges by using the healing power of nature to provide refuge for Black women to navigate the impact of COVID-19, along with the murders of George Floyd, and Briana Taylor, and so many others that also occurred during this period.
Since many indoor spaces were closed or deemed unsafe, we began gathering small groups of women at various metro parks and trails. During these gatherings, participants were guided in gentle yoga, meditation, hiking and dialogue to help improve their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
In 2022, Black Women in Nature became an official 501c3 nonprofit organization. Since its inception, BWIN has developed ample community programming including signature monthly meetups, overnight and half-day retreats, corporate/community events, panel discussions and presentations, speaking engagements, and a BWIN Ambassador Leadership Development Program.

PROBLEMS we’re solving

One

Providing Equitable Access to the Outdoors

Due to a longstanding history of exclusion and discrimination, communities of color are underrepresented in the outdoors and thus less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor activities. Compounding this issue is a lack of access to green spaces due to discriminatory practices like redlining which systematically deny communities of color and low-income communities access to adequate resources. Additionally, many people of color–specifically Black women– feel uneasy in the outdoors across the U.S. Curating outdoor experiences in a group setting provides a safe and equitable way for Black women to experience the outdoors.

Two

Improving the Mental Health & Wellbeing of Black Women

Due to systemic oppression and discrimination, Black women are disproportionately impacted by health disparities and high levels of mental health challenges such as stress, depression and anxiety. Left untreated, this can result in increased rates of burnout, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide. Exposure to nature is shown to help combat these conditions, which contribute to chronic illness, health inequity and high healthcare costs, by lowering stress, boosting the immune system, improving mood, and increasing energy and engagement.

Three

Advocating for Environmental & Climate Justice

Environmental and climate justice are critical to improving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment, especially for communities of color who have been forced to live, work and play in toxic environments due to environmental racism. By creating awareness of the importance of environmental & climate justice, we are advocating for change and taking meaningful steps to reduce our impact on the environment.