CLARK BREWER, THE BLACK OUTDOORSMEN INITIATIVE

No one knows the wild spaces around Chattanooga like Clark. An outdoorsman, entrepreneur, musician and kindred spirit, Clark has founded and guided multiple initiatives to get the people of his city out into their incredible outdoor spaces. A wonderland is right in their backyard, yet so many are made to feel as if they don’t belong there. Clark is changing that, and his city, in the process.

This is of great consequence, too. The U.S. Census Bureau‘s latest data says the city is 59.5% “White” and 30.6% “Black or African American alone.” That’s around 55,726 Black residents out of 182,113 total. In short: almost one-third of Chattanooga is Black.

In kind, you’ll find Clark’s insight and lived experiences below, ‘The Black Outdoorsmen’ to come, alongside the short film made about his work, “Bigger Than Me.” Here’s to a brighter future for all Tennessee kids.

What was growing up in Chattanooga – this powerful outdoors destination – like for you?

Clark: Growing up in Chattanooga was not always easy for me, but my family and I made the best of our situation. My mother and grandmother worked as house nannies for families living on Lookout Mountain, which exposed me to different worlds at an early age. My father and grandfather were both involved in custodial work, with my grandfather serving as an honorary custodian for a prominent private school. Despite living in the Eastlake Projects, I had the opportunity to attend a private school, which played a significant role in shaping who I am today.

Walk us through your initiatives and the programs you’ve built in Chattanooga.

Clark: As a co-founder and program director of the “Bridge” program, I saw a need for beginner-friendly outdoor programs that would introduce individuals to the joys of nature. After departing from the “Bridge” program, My goal has been to start my own initiative called “Huemans Outdoors.” This program is specifically designed to provide individuals who have never experienced the outdoors with a welcoming and supportive environment.

Through our programs, participants will have the opportunity to explore lakes, camp overnight, and engage in a variety of outdoor activities, have music therapy and be led by an individual that comes from the same environment. I’m still looking for partners in this initiative, too. I can’t do this by myself!

What are the outdoors to you? Who is Clark when he’s outside in Chattanooga’s wild spaces?

Clark: For me, the outdoors is a place of healing and peace.

When I’m out in nature, I feel like I am both “a Black Outdoorsman” and a representative of my initiative, Hueman Outdoors. I am an adventurer and explorer, but also a mentor and specialist. And as a child of God, I feel called to lead prayer, songs, and meditation sessions. All while experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

Being in nature allows me to connect with my spirituality and to share that connection with others.

Tell us more about ‘The Black Outdoorsmen.’ What spurred this idea and where do you want to take it?

Clark: “The Black Outdoorsmen” is an initiative that was brought to me by individuals in the city. I kept hearing from Caucasian Chattanoogans that they have black friends who want to explore nature but would love someone who looks like them to relate to.

On the other hand, I heard from my own people that they would rather be in the woods with someone who they can relate to. Someone who looks like them and understands the basics of being out there. That’s why I can’t wait to see the newest Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant and Peter Ross. It provides representation for people of color. It is going to help us to see ourselves in the outdoors alongside someone who doesn’t look like us. This shows the unity that nature provides.

The short film made about your impact, “Bigger Than Me,” shows you returning to where you grew up, and does a masterful job of showcasing the hope you have for future generations. What does this film mean to you?

Clark: This short film is a glimpse into how my life came together as an adult. It captures the pain, joy, and “why” behind my calling to do this work in just 12 minutes. And I am incredibly grateful to the directors, writers, and talented individuals who were involved in bringing this film to life.

However, my hope and prayer is to take this story to a larger stage and platform. I want to share with others how an African American kid from the inner city, who witnessed gangs, drive-by shootings, and drugs was able to find solace and therapy in the outdoors after his athletic dreams were cut short.

I believe there is great potential for this story to inspire and motivate others, and I hope you all can see it, too.

Note: The above was written by naturalist Jon D. B. after exploring Chattanooga, Tennessee with Clark. For the full feature, visit Outsider.com here.