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Robin C.'s Driftwood

Piece of Driftwood
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This small piece of driftwood is a reminder of the respect my coworkers have for me.

There's a nagging stereotype that black people don't like the outdoors, so people question my place in wilderness programming. The invalidation - having to prove myself, my worth - cuts deep.

When my coworkers gave me this driftwood at the end of a backpacking trip, it was a symbol for me: of how much they valued me, my voice, my gifts. I was meant to be there. I belonged.

I'm dedicated to helping others feel that. To building bridges between communities so we can all discover that we're not as different as we think.
Robin C.
Washington
Belonging is a gift we give each other. Start Here