Proposal Title
Watering Black Roots (Reconnecting Human+Nature)
Abstract
“I understood at a very early age that in nature, I felt everything I should feel in church but never did. Walking in the woods, I felt in touch with the universe and with the spirit of the universe”. -Alice Walker
Growing up with a strong connection to nature, I struggled balancing the joys and sorrows of being the only black person in my environment engaging in outdoor activities. It took 26 years for me to find spaces where people of color were either centered or inclusively involved in the strong connection with the natural world. Interacting with wildlife in these spaces has stimulated a profound relationship with nature and myself.
Research and dialogue have provided a rich understanding of why engaging with the natural is stigmatized in black communities in America. This creative discussion will explore how historical and current systems of oppressions perpetuated by patriarchal colonialism influence collective disconnect between the black identity and the natural world. Literature, music, and visual art by black artists who express the importance of their relationship to the natural world will also be shared to illustrate the power of embracing innate desire that humanity shares.
Additionally, we’ll discuss various studies that highlight the positive outcomes of interacting with natural landscapes, ways I integrate nature and Expressive Arts Therapy as I work with marginalized communities, and tools that promote intersectional ecological spaces.
Start Date
28-3-2018 10:10 AM
End Date
28-3-2018 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Creative Performance
Disciplines
Counseling Psychology | Environmental Studies | Multicultural Psychology | Psychology | Transpersonal Psychology
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Transpersonal Psychology Commons
Watering Black Roots (Reconnecting Human+Nature)
U-Hall 3-087
“I understood at a very early age that in nature, I felt everything I should feel in church but never did. Walking in the woods, I felt in touch with the universe and with the spirit of the universe”. -Alice Walker
Growing up with a strong connection to nature, I struggled balancing the joys and sorrows of being the only black person in my environment engaging in outdoor activities. It took 26 years for me to find spaces where people of color were either centered or inclusively involved in the strong connection with the natural world. Interacting with wildlife in these spaces has stimulated a profound relationship with nature and myself.
Research and dialogue have provided a rich understanding of why engaging with the natural is stigmatized in black communities in America. This creative discussion will explore how historical and current systems of oppressions perpetuated by patriarchal colonialism influence collective disconnect between the black identity and the natural world. Literature, music, and visual art by black artists who express the importance of their relationship to the natural world will also be shared to illustrate the power of embracing innate desire that humanity shares.
Additionally, we’ll discuss various studies that highlight the positive outcomes of interacting with natural landscapes, ways I integrate nature and Expressive Arts Therapy as I work with marginalized communities, and tools that promote intersectional ecological spaces.
