Strange Fruit

Summer is in full swing, and it's the time of year when most of us head outside to enjoy the fresh air. Maybe you take to the hiking trail with just what you can carry on your back. Or maybe your idea of being outdoorsy is having drinks on a patio. (We'll let you figure out which option #TeamStrangeFruit favors.) If you're a person of color, especially a black person, data shows you're less likely to participate in traditional outdoor activities. NPR's Code Switch talked about it recently in their podcast, noting the National Parks Service's statistic that around 80% of its visitors, volunteers and staff last year were white. 12045552_10205580003002972_7170443638992725955_oExplore Kentucky We decided to see what the situation looks like closer to home. So we spoke with Gerry James, founder and director of the Explore Kentucky initiative. He says it's not unusual for him to be the only black camper, hiker, or paddle boarder in his group — and people notice. He's heard everything from, "Hey, it's great to