California State Parks Foundation stands in solidarity with those demanding justice for recent, atrocious crimes against members of the Black community.

It will take commitment from us all to do the work, to educate ourselves, to speak up, to fight racism in all its forms. We are committed to working with our partners, members, and legislators to do and be better. As an advocacy organization, we believe in working towards systemic change to ensure that real change happens to protect and give opportunities for future generations.

Black Lives Matter. Black Futures Matter. Black experiences in the outdoors Matter. From the brutal murder of Ahmaud Arbery, to the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, to Christian Cooper being threatened while birdwatching in Central Park, these are the latest injustices towards Indigenous, Black, and other Communities of Color. These events are horrifying, and they highlight long-standing inequities.

We all have a role to play in working toward a more just world, in the outdoors and beyond. As an organization, we pledge to continue to advocate for access to the outdoors and equity in our state parks, and advance policies that keep our parks safe for all Californians. We are not only committed to continuing programming that increases access for Communities of Color to parks, but also to welcoming and safe experiences. None of our work in support of access and equity in California’s state parks matters if everyone cannot feel safe outdoors.

We are with those demanding justice for all Communities of Color and other underrepresented groups, and we remain vigorously committed to do more to combat racism in all its forms.