Chelsea Connor
Chelsea Connor is a Herpetologist and birder from the Commonwealth of Dominica.[1][2] While studying in Texas, United States she founded #BlackBirdersWeek.[1][3] She wants it to be more common to see Black people in the United States out in nature.[1] She wants Black people in America to feel safer when they enjoy nature.[1]
#BlackBirdersWeek
[change | change source]When Christian Cooper was harassed in a park while looking at birds, Connor felt upset. She has also experienced people looking at her with suspicion when she is watching animals outdoors.[1] People think that because she is outside and has binoculars she is doing something wrong.[1][3] Several Black scientists were trying to think of a response to the attack on Cooper. Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman suggested everyone go birding and Connor helped to organize it.[1] Other organizers included Ashley Gary, Sheridan Alford, and Joseph Saunders.[3] The National Audubon Society supported the program.[4]
Each day has a different theme. Some daily themes have been: posting a picture of yourself in nature, posting a picture of a bird, and Question and Answer with Black birders.[1]
Now she celebrates bird watching in Black communities for a week each year.[1][5] She advocates for black people and their rights.[2] She encourages people to observe and enjoy nature.[2]
Research
[change | change source]Connor does research about native and invasive anoles in Dominica.[2] They are a kind of lizard.
Personal life
[change | change source]References
[change | change source]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "#BlackBirdersWeek Seeks To Make The Great Outdoors Open To All : Short Wave". NPR.org. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- 1 2 3 4 5 MSUTexas (2020-06-18). "MSU Texas student achieves national attention with #BlackBirdersWeek campaign". MsuTexas News. Retrieved 2021-12-19.
- 1 2 3 Magazine, Smithsonian. "#BlackBirdersWeek: Celebrating and Encouraging Diversity in Conservation". www.smithsonianmag.com. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ↑ Mallenbaum, Carly. "#BlackBirdersWeek, #BlackInNeuro: Black scientists, physicians are using hashtags to uplift". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ↑ "Black Birders Week | BirdNote". www.birdnote.org. 2021-05-28. Retrieved 2022-02-03.