In 2019 Rhianne Fatinikun formed Black Girls Hike (BGH), to challenge the lack of representation and inclusion of Black women in outdoor activities. It's a space for women of Black Afro/Caribbean descent only. Her goal was to create a safe space for exploration and connecting with nature, which would have lasting effects mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Walking has existed since the beginning of time and has an almost grounding influence by inadvertently being a stress reliever. Nature is a natural healer and Fatinikun is focussed on using it to heal century-old traumas within the Black community by way of lush walks ranging from beginner to intermediate. The group has hiked in Wales, Kent, Surrey, the Peak District, and Madeira in Portugal, in the past.
"We currently host group hikes nationwide led by a team of volunteers, activity weekends (caving, climbing, and paddle sports), and training weekends" and in 2022, "we became an approved provider of Mountain Training to deliver navigation courses which helps us address the lack of representation in outdoor leadership and also the skills barrier," says Fatinikun.
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