CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As part of Charlottesville MLK Birthday celebration, UVA’s Office for Sustainability, The Equity Center at UVA, Prolyfyck Run Creww, and Black Girls Hike RVA are co-hosting a program “Everybody Outside: Finding Joy and Belonging in the Outdoors”. The keynote speaker, Alison Mariella Desir, who produces and hosts the award-winning PBS show “Out and Back with Alison Mariella Desir”. She’s the author of the book Running While Black, and her PBS program has focused on outdoor activities “that have been fiercely guarded by membership fees that require a freedom to exist unbothered in nature and require expensive equipment… activities like skiiing, surfing, horseback riding, and birdwatching”.

It’s Saturday, January 25 in 11:30 to 1:30 in the Irving Theater in the Downtown Mall’s CODE Building. After she speaks, there’s a panel discussion with Desir and the outdoor groups about “increasing equitable outdoor access for all”. Alison will be available to sign books following the discussion. RSVP is required by clicking here due to space limitations of venue. An optional hike at Riverview Park (1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902) will begin that morning at 9:30AM. All levels welcome.