Black Birders Week is a weeklong series of events to highlight Black nature enthusiasts and to increase the visibility of Black birders, who face unique challenges and dangers when engaging in outdoor activities. The event was created as a response to the Central Park birdwatching incident and police brutality against Black Americans. The inaugural event ran from May 31 to June 5, 2020. The week of events was organized by a group of STEM professionals and students known as the BlackAFinSTEM Collective.
This year’s Black Birders Week takes place from May 28 through June 3.
The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University is excited to host three Black Birders Week events this year: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/festivals/black-birders-week/
A World of Urban Birds: A Conversation with David Lindo
Moderated by Jason Hall, Founder of In Color Birding Club
Presented in partnership with the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (DVOC)
Thursday, May 25, 7-8:30 p.m.
Celebrated Urban Birder David Lindo takes us around the urban world of birds. Over 20% of the globe’s bird species have been recorded within our towns and cities, sometimes without us noticing. You will be surprised by some of the species Lindo will be featuring. To see some of these great birds, all you have to do is open your hearts, minds and, importantly, look up!
Individual event URL: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/adult-programs/speaker-series/
Short link: bit.ly/aworldofurbanbirds
Black Excellence in Birding
Saturday, May 27, 5–9 p.m.
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences for Black Excellence in Birding, our second annual black-tie Black Birders Week event. Meet some of the country’s most well-known Black birders, go behind the scenes of the Academy to interact with our world-class Ornithology Collection, join the panel discussion on Black women in birding and meet local poets and artists as they share their expressions throughout the night. Tweet an invite to a fellow bird lover, fluff up your plumage for a feathery date night or simply sip cocktails and savor delicious appetizers as you enjoy good conversation with fellow Black birders.
Individual event URL: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/festivals/black-birders-week/black-excellence-in-birding/
Short link: bit.ly/blackexcellenceinbirding
Flying Full Circle Family Fun Day
Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Bring the whole flock to the Academy for a fun-filled day of activities, outdoor family bird walks, museum scavenger hunts and a fantastic film by world-renowned Black birder Rodney Stotts detailing his story of empowerment through nature.
Individual event URL: https://ansp.org/programs-and-events/festivals/black-birders-week/flying-full-circle/