From 1964 to 2024.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the American outdoors. The Wilderness Act.

The Wilderness Act drastically expanded the definition of what could be conserved under federal law. As a result, millions of acres of land across the country have been protected from commercialization and human development. This land has been protected to be used for, according to the Act’s edict, the permanent good of all people.

The anniversary of the Act’s signing is worth celebrating by anyone who experiences our national parks, monuments, waterways, and public lands.

As an outdoor enthusiast, I extol the Wilderness Act as a shining example of American ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to conservation.

Indeed, it is.

It is also one of the most visible examples of systemic racism in this era of “color blindness.”

Today as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. We should also celebrate the 60thanniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. Both acts were approved by Congress within the same legislation session.

The Wilderness Act was passed unanimously, in a bipartisan manner, by members of the House of Representatives on July 30, 1964.

Three weeks earlier, members of the House convened to vote on the Civil Rights Act. The Civil Rights act was passed on July 2, 1964. Unlike the Wilderness Act however, the passage of the Civil Rights Act was highly contentious and far from unanimous. In fact, when you analyze the voter rolls for both Acts, one would discover systemic inequality in action. Out of all votes cast, nearly one third of Congressmembers that voted in favor of the Wilderness Act, did not vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act.

Over 100 members of congress were simultaneously in favor of the Wilderness Act, but against guaranteeing Civil Rights for millions of Americans.

Two days before Independence Day, a day Americans praise the virtues of freedom and independence, and three weeks before signing legislation that would preserve land for the enjoyment of all Americans, hundreds of members of Congress voted against granting African Americans rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

In doing so Congress rewrote the definition of what it meant to be American. The definition of “all” was edited to ensure that Americans that identify as members of the global majority (often inaccurately labeled as BIPOC), are explicitly excluded.

This intentional re-amplification of the racial caste system reaffirmed who qualifies as Americans, and who were eligible to enjoy public outdoor recreation areas.

“All” does not truly mean all.

Oftentimes words lose their gravity, their importance, their meaning, due to overuse.

Systemic is one of those words.

Inequality is deeply rooted into our society, laws, customs, and courtesies. When we say the outdoors was created in a way that systemically excludes people of the global majority, the Wilderness Act is what we mean.

From this day forward when we hear the phrase ‘systemic inequality,’ remember the Wilderness and Civil Rights Acts.

It is important to note that Conservation didn’t end in 1964. In the 60 years post ratification, numerous additional pieces of legislation were signed to protect millions of additional acres of land. Similarly, the fight for Civil Rights did not end with on signing day. The fight for equality for all rages on.  And it must continue because 60 years after these two pieces of legislation were signed, we elected a present that seeks to dismantle everything they sought to protect.

The job wasn’t done then. Our job isn’t done now.

Being mindful of our history, and perhaps the future,  we call on outdoor organizations to look inwards. Scrutinize your values, guiding principles, and practices. Colorblindness alone, will not bring change. Intentional anti-racist actions are necessary. Only When that occurs will the outdoors truly become a place for everyone.