This Session. Programming took place on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Exploring Intersectionality: Birding & Identity session explored the intersection between birding and historically-excluded identities, specifically race. The session was an opportunity to delve deeper and explore how various identities intersect with the activity of birding and discuss its implications for conservation efforts and environmental justice. There were opportunities for DEEP Collaborative folks, Duke staff and faculty, and community members to interact with museum-guided interpretations of the Audubon Gallery and a guided bird-walk of the grounds from two North Carolina State Ph.D. students. 

Goals:

  1. Enhance Understanding of Intersectionality: Attendees can aim to deepen their understanding of intersectionality by actively participating in discussions about how historically-excluded identities, particularly race, intersect with activities like birding. This goal involves actively engaging with diverse perspectives and experiences shared during the session to broaden one’s understanding of how various identities intersect and influence experiences within environmental activities.
  2. Promote Environmental Justice in Conservation: Attendees might set a goal to explore the implications of intersectionality on conservation efforts and environmental justice. This could involve critically examining how different identities influence access to and participation in environmental activities like birding, and brainstorming ways to promote inclusivity and equity within conservation initiatives.
  3. Engage with Diverse Perspectives: Attendees could strive to actively engage with museum-guided interpretations of the Audubon Gallery and participate in the guided bird-walk led by North Carolina State Ph.D. students. This goal involves actively listening to and learning from diverse voices, including museum staff, academics, and community members, to gain a multifaceted understanding of the intersection between birding and identity.

A special thank you to Jill Taylor from the North Carolina Museum of Art and Deja Perkins and Jin Bai from North Carolina State University for facilitating!

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Jin Bai