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Subtitle: How Harriet Tubman could change your perspective on who belongs outdoors

Episode description: You probably learned about Harriet Tubman in school growing up — how she led slaves to freedom on the underground railroad. But she was a lot more than an activist and freedom fighter. She was a daughter, wife, entrepreneur — and a talented outdoorswoman.

This bonus episode from the podcast Out There explores Tubman’s relationship with nature; we unpack how that history shapes the way Black Americans engage with the outdoors today; and we show how a closer look at Tubman could offer new perspectives on who belongs outdoors. Victoria Marin has the story.

Credits: This episode was inspired by the podcast Following Harriet and was produced in collaboration with INGREDIENT and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. To learn more about Virginia’s history and land as it relates to the Black experience, visit virginia.org/blacktravel.

Special thanks to Sheeba Joseph, who spearheaded the project, co-produced the episode, and facilitated the collaboration.

For Further Listening: In honor of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, we’ve compiled a playlist of stories that highlight Black experiences outdoors and celebrate the diverse and meaningful ways that African Americans engage with the natural world. [Link to playlist on Spotify]