• Climate
• Community
• Ecological Restoration

Earthed Supports Black Nature Heroes at EMPOCA

We are grateful to be part of EMPOCA’s Black Nature Heroes programme, where nature, education, and empowerment intersect. EMPOCA is the only organisation in Europe whose sole mission is to reconnect the black youth with nature.

Together as committed partners, Earthed hopes more young black people become visible in the outdoor industry and feel represented in their roles as guardians of our planet. To dig deeper into our partnership, we spoke with CEO Anthony Owosekun to explore the poignancy of EMPOCA and his vision for a more representative future.

Earthed: “Anthony, EMPOCA is a cause close to our heart. Can you tell us the inspiration behind starting it?”

Anthony: “The inspiration behind EMPOCA came from a deeply personal place. Growing up as a Black child, I rarely saw people who looked like me in outdoor spaces, let alone in leadership roles connected to nature and environmental work. As a young boy in the early 90s, I was the only Black boy scout in my group and at the camps I attended in northern Germany. While I found solace in nature and loved the experiences, I always felt the absence of representation and a sense of true belonging. As an experiential educator and social worker later in life, I witnessed how transformative nature experiences can be for children and teens, especially for those navigating systemic barriers like racism. Yet, I also saw a lack of access and representation in these spaces for Black communities. EMPOCA was born to bridge this gap—by creating positive outdoor experiences specifically designed to foster leadership, confidence, and a deep connection to nature for Black youth across the DACH region.”

Earthed: “How do you see Earthed supporting Black Nature Heroes on their educational journey, to deepen their connection with nature?“

Anthony: “Earthed is a powerful ally in this mission. By offering nature skills and a platform to celebrate traditional and indigenous knowledge, Earthed provides Black Nature Heroes with tools to not only learn but to feel deeply rooted in their connection to the earth. Through this partnership, the participants of our first leadership program will gain access to nature teachers and community experiences that reinforce the understanding that nature belongs to everyone, and we all have a role in nurturing it. Earthed’s celebration of diverse knowledge holders will also uplift the voices and wisdom of Black communities, helping to dismantle the systemic erasure of Black contributions to environmentalism.”

“Regeneration isn’t just about ecosystems; it’s about healing relationships with the land and each other. For me, it’s a future where Black children see themselves reflected in the environmental sector”

Earthed: “What does a regenerated future look like for you, and Black Nature Heroes?“

Anthony: “A regenerated future is one where Black communities are not just participants in nature conservation but leaders. It’s a future where access to green spaces, environmental education and protection is no longer a privilege but a right. For Black Nature Heroes, this means cultivating a generation of environmental stewards who are empowered to protect the planet and redefine how we care for it—both through traditional practices and innovative solutions. Regeneration isn’t just about ecosystems; it’s about healing relationships with the land and each other. For me, it’s a future where Black children see themselves reflected in the environmental sector, whether that’s in leadership, policy-making, or grassroots action.”

Earthed: “What can individuals, charities, and businesses in the environmental sector do to support Black Nature Heroes to feel a sense of belonging and representation in the sector?“

Anthony: “The first step is to actively create inclusive and welcoming spaces. This means ensuring representation not just in marketing but also in leadership and decision-making. Charities and businesses can collaborate with grassroots organizations like EMPOCA to design programs that are culturally responsive and relevant to Black communities. Offering funding, mentorship opportunities, and platforms for visibility is crucial. It’s also important to challenge stereotypes about who belongs in nature and to dismantle barriers to access. Ultimately, the environmental sector needs to listen, learn, and act with intention to foster a sense of belonging for Black Nature Heroes.”

Earthed: “How do you visualise the coming years in Earthed’s partnership with EMPOCA?“

Anthony: “I see our partnership as a growing, symbiotic relationship where we inspire and learn from each other. Together, we can expand the reach of Black Nature Heroes, bringing Earthed’s incredible resources into our leadership programs and camps. I envision co-hosted workshops, shared storytelling initiatives, and collaborations that amplify Black voices in the environmental sector. Over the next few years, we can create ripple effects that not only empower individuals but also shape the environmental movement to be more inclusive, diverse, and equitable.”

Click here to support Anthony and EMPOCA, and transform representation and belonging for the black youth in the climate space.

If you would like to speak to someone at Earthed about a potential partnership, please get in touch.

Kiran Dhall

02/12/2024

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