Now, in an effort to celebrate the joys of engaging wildlife safely outdoors, and to bring awareness to the experiences of birders of color, Black Birders Week seeks to convene conservationists and nature lovers from around the country. The week features national birding events, live-streamed panel discussions and interactive themes each day.

THE WORD IS OUT!!!! #BlackBirdersWeek2021 is almost here ‼️This year’s event will showcase the many unique ways Black people connect in the outdoors. Please check out the website or link in bio for daily event details & reg. links as the week approaches! https://t.co/YlVpCefx22
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— BlackAFinSTEM (@BlackAFinSTEM) May 23, 2021

Despite having to deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the event’s co-founder Tykee James said it meant a lot to him to launch in 2020, according to Delaware Online

“We showed that the Black experience goes beyond trauma. The Black experience includes joy, pride, strength, resilience and style. Every day in Black Birders Week was a day to advance that narrative,” James, government affairs coordinator for National Audubon Society, said.

The Philadelphia native expressed that the weeklong celebration is necessary because the birding community is “disconnected and decentralized,” adding that people want to build a sense of community again.

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