In February 2022, I began a weekly hiking routine with my friend Chris, accompanied by another person he knew, Mark. Over time, I got to know and befriend Mark, and the three of us became hiking buddies. (From left to Right: Mark, Chris, and your's truly)
For me, hiking is the perfect activity as it combines physical exercise, the beauty of nature, and a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, our hikes are always filled with engaging conversations. We have an open and accepting atmosphere where we encourage each other to ask challenging, uncomfortable, and even offensive questions in order to better understand different perspectives. I often wonder how our discussions must sound to the trees and wildlife surrounding us.
During one of our hikes, we stumbled upon an important topic—the lack of representation of black people in hiking and camping. It was a striking realization that, in all our hikes, I was frequently the only black man in Daniel Boone National Forest. This fact is both wild and disheartening. (That cool guy in glasses is Ben. He and his dog Pele' are also in my Hike Squad- Yeah, you heard that right. Hike Squad! I think it's going to stick)
This month, on Black in the Bluegrass: a public history podcast, I invite you to listen in on a conversation I had with Dr. Craig Thompson Friend, historian, author, and professor of History and Public History at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Friend's extensive knowledge and publications, such as Kentucke's Frontiers and A New History of Kentucky, not only inspired my Ph.D. research on Kentucky but also motivated me to create this podcast and blog. Through this platform, I aim to explore Kentucky by delving into the ways in which people, both native and non-native, connect with the state. When I approached Craig with the idea, he was receptive and generously offered his time, even before discovering how much I admired his work.
This discussion with Dr. Friend marked my first interview for the show, resulting in a wide-ranging conversation covering various topics. We explored the multicultural and ethnic context of the Kentucky Frontier, delved into the black experience within it, and we discussed Kentucky's radical democratic constitution, its shift toward the Confederacy, and what it means to be Southern. Additionally, we had a fascinating conversation about the exclusivity often associated with hiking as a recreational activity.
Join us on this episode as we unravel the complexities of history, race, and the great outdoors, shedding light on the hidden narratives and perspectives that shape our experiences in Kentucky and beyond.
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