A PANEL DISCUSSION

African-Americans represent 13 percent of the national population, but only represent seven percent of visitors to the National Park Service. The reasons for this disconnect are varied: for many, the outdoors evokes lynchings, trauma, and flight from slavery and discrimination. Others simply feel excluded as parks and outdoor activities are largely led by whites.

Access to the outdoors and greenspaces is vital to the social fabric of a community and to individual's health and well-being. Many initiatives are underway at both the nationaland local level to increase the use of parks by minorities and to diversify the employment staff of park systems.

How do we ensure equitable access to parks, greenspace, and natural amenities? What efforts are underway in Cleveland - and are they working?

Join us for a conversation with local and national leaders on diversity, inclusion, and the future of parks and recreation.

Panelists include:

Dudley Edmonson, photographer and author, Black & Brown Faces in America's Wild Places

Whitnye Long Jones, Let's Move! Outside Community Coordinator, YMCA of  Greater Cleveland

Brian Zimmerman, CEO, Cleveland Metroparks

Click here to register.