By: Sydney Mulvenon
FAYETTEVILLE, Uark. – The University of Arkansas UREC Center hosted an outdoor hike and various other activities for diverse groups on campus. The program’s goal is to get more students involved in outdoor activities to help them mentally, physically, and to bring together diverse students.
They would also like to see through these kinds of events, more of these students not being afraid to be their authentic selves and to celebrate who they are.
The center had an outdoor hike at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and near the Buffalo River for students who identify Indigenous, Black, and any other person of color.
One student Jade Romain says it more than just a way to get active.
“It was amazing. We had a lot in common and still learned so much from each other.”
Romain along with many others on the trip experienced this and found the trip more rewarding beyond the physical achievement.
Another student Tiana Williams says there is a need for improvement in this area.
“I was specifically interested in this trip because of its target audience towards the Black and Brown community. I feel there is not a whole lot of representation in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking; it is seen as something for the majority. However, for this group to be solely BIPOC community members, it was beautiful to see the representation and the joy these activities can bring to everyone.”
In the future the program is hopeful to create many more experiences just like this one for diverse students. Each semester the UREC center has many opportunities just like this one for students who come from diverse backgrounds to get involved.
By the end of this year they hope to raise more awareness for these outdoor events to more underserved communities all across campus.