Nature Center At Shaker Lakes Condemns Systemic Racism

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes issued a statement this week condemning systemic and racism and vowing to work toward a more equitable society.

In an open letter to the community, Nature Center CEO Kay Carlson said she was outraged at the treatment of Black persons, like Christian Cooper in New York City and Onsayo Abram in Oakland, who were made to feel unwelcome in a park.

"As a public nature preserve serving a vibrant and diverse community, we believe it is unacceptable that Black people and people of color should ever be unwelcome or unsafe in parks and public spaces," Carlson said in her letter.

"Nature is and should be for everyone to enjoy without fear," she added.

Carlson said her organization has spent the past two years trying to become a more diverse and inclusive organization. To that end, the Nature Center has created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement to guide the organization into the future.

"Our work has just begun, and we intend to keep you informed on our progress to become more inclusive and representative of our greater Cleveland community. I am proud to lead this organization as we continue to listen, learn, and work together to take action toward positive change," Carlson said.

The full letter to the community can be found on the Nature Center's website.