Shades of Water seeks to break down historical barriers between systematically marginalized communities and river conservation

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 17, 2022) – Love is King – Let Freedom Roam today released a series of videos highlighting the significance of rivers in BIPOC and systematically marginalized communities. The three videos feature diverse voices explaining what rivers mean to them, their families, and their livelihoods.

The videos also advocate for the passage of the River Democracy Act, introduced by Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. The legislation would safeguard over 4,000 miles of waterways across the state and was informed by a public process, where Oregonians nominated their favorite rivers for protection. 

“Our Oregon rivers are so magical and so special; I really came to love them living here,” said Jocelyn Rice, founder of Black Earth United in Portland, Oregon. “It was so beautiful to read and to learn that Sen. Wyden had really taken a lot of community input and it helped design this beautiful bill.” 

Data from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department shows that African Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are underrepresented as visitors to state parks relative to their state populations, while whites are overrepresented. And according to a report titled The Nature Gap by Conservation Science Partners and commissioned by Hispanic Access Foundation and the Center for American Progress, systematically marginalized communities, especially families of color, have less access to nearby nature than more privileged communities. In a state like Oregon, this means that they have less access to protected public lands, rivers, and waterways. 

“I think the River Democracy Act is definitely serving as a move in the right direction. An affirmative action toward the conservation of our rivers so that future generations – my daughter included – will be able to understand (and generations after her) and learn why conserving our Oregon rivers is a priority,” Brian Chou, an outdoor industry consultant in Portland said. 

The River Democracy Act would help close this gap in the state by safeguarding rivers that provide access to outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and swimming; places to heal from mental health crises and hardships; and conserve sources of clean drinking water and watersheds which keep public lands sustainable and healthy. Currently, only two percent (2,173 miles) of the state’s 110,000 miles of rivers are protected as Wild and Scenic. 

Dr. Lisa Collins, Director, Education Through Engagement LLC added, “So much has happened in our world. We need more healing. Healing comes from nature. Healing comes from taking care of ourselves and taking care of our souls. And as the water runs in, it heals and it soothes. And that it seems to come together. Water is a necessity of life. It is around us and it is vital to be near it and around it.” 

The Shades of Water videos are a recognition of the restorative value of nature, especially during the pandemic, which has caused a ripple effect of other physical and mental health crises. Ensuring that Oregon’s lands and rivers are conserved for future generations is an important step to making sure all communities have fair and equitable access to our great outdoors and all they give back to surrounding communities.

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