Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors

Carolyn Finney's work functions at the axis of critical race theory and environment studies, examining the relationship between black Americans and the natural environment, and how this relationship has been shaped and codified by racism, violence, class difference, and white privilege. This book raises some very important questions on how our culture views that relationship and also addresses the fears black Americans associate with the environment and the advances that black Americans have contributed to environmental causes. The book focuses on a number of different topics to demonstrate the problematic and tenuous bond between race and environment: slave labor, the association between wilderness and lynching, lack of diversity in visitors to and employees of national parks, racist depictions of black people related to tropes of "wildness," and the racial underpinnings of government and media reactions to Hurricane Katrina. All the arguments this text makes are valid and, even more, crucial. However, the book seems slightly unfocused and spread too thin. In an effort to paint a comprehensive picture and tackle all possible avenues related to this mostly unexplored intersection the book lacks an argumentative and theoretical depth. Hopefully, this is only the beginning and Finney continues to contribute more scholarship regarding these issues, as it is badly needed.

This book is a must for anyone who considers themselves outdoorsy, an environmentalist, or an outdoorsman. Using strong storytelling, Finney takes us on a ride through time where so many pieces come together in front of our eyes while answering some of the most daunting questions about the connections of the present moment to the times of slavery.

I really loved this book. I had to read it for class, but I finished in 4 days. It was so relatable throughout the entire book! Highly recommend for black women!

While the book felt a bit too academic it was a good read that covers an important topic that I experience regularly, but don't hear much about. Bravo to the author for tackling this complex issue.

A very important book for everyone, especially current and future outdoor enthusiasts.

Poorly-written book with good information that you had to work to get at. She first told us what she would show us, then showed us, then told us what she showed us. The information was largely ten years old when it was published which doesn't work in this fast-moving field. Very pedantic and academic style.

Gave me good history, explanations and analysis of the black experience with the natural world and environmental issues. Also gave me hope and excitement by describing the many people and projects involved in uplifting our people and protecting our environment. Inspiring!

Great book for anyone, but especially if you want to learn about race relations with outdoor spaces.