Through Hollywood, we have heard of the “Sunken Place” from the popular movie “Get Out” by Jordan Peele and we have heard about “The Quiet Place” written by Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, and John Krasinski who also directed the movie. But have you heard about the safe place? The thing is, it’s not a movie and definitely not fiction. It’s a reality brought to life from the minds of Rex Coble & Shawanda Coble, called Coble Landings. Coble Landings is the only Black-owned private nature preserve in the southeast and the second on the East Coast to encourage equality and inclusion in outdoor activities. There is a stigma that people of color mainly black people “don’t do outdoors”, but is that fact? We at Femi Magazine were so excited to find out about this venture that we rushed to have a chat.
How would you describe running A black-owned camping site, when the idea around is black people are not known for going camping?
We wanted to provide a space for black people to return to nature. There is something called the “nature gap” that references the disparity of African Americans participating in the outdoors. Our family comes from a rural area so we are used to camping, hiking, four-wheelers all those things that sometimes we don’t have access to. We love seeing families come here and they are removed from the distractions and they are talking around the fire, pitching a tent, taking a walk together. That’s why we developed this area, it’s to provide a space where we can focus on one another again.
What would you say to persons who say black people don’t camp or mess with the outdoors?
I think that is person by person. With my family being from the rural parts of NC we experienced the outdoors and the freedom that it can give, and also the mental peace it can give because you get silence and really get a chance to disconnect. I would suggest people try it, and really focus on what their life would be like without social media, cell phones, tv, wifi. etc. and think about how our ancestors created foundations for us on this same land. I would encourage them to remember where they came from. Returning to that is important.
Especially in recent times having a safe place has become essential in most person’s life. But having a safe place away from the trauma can be particularly rewarding. We asked the couple about this.
You talked about creating a space for black people outdoors in the South. Did any of the recent events, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, play a part in your decision to start Coble Landings?
Yes, the scrutiny that our family like many black families face just walking down the street or going into public places can be traumatizing. Imagine that in the woods! I didn’t want my children to other families of color to miss out on the experience of the outdoors because of fear. I also didn’t want non-people of color to miss out on the opportunity of seeing inclusion and understanding that we can create this space for ourselves as well but be welcoming because the outdoors is an all-encompassing space.
Would you say being outdoors is a way for the black community to come together to better their mental health?
The connection that black people have to the earth is like no other. Our ancestors built this country so nature holds so much peace and clarity for us. When we come together and uplift one another without the distractions or influences of things built to tear us down it’s powerful. When we are able to hold traditional ceremonies, rites of passage, praise and worship, and any other traditional events without being ostracized or asked to leave that creates a sense of pride and belonging. That’s important to us as black people because those rites have been violated for a long time now.
How big do you want Coble Landings to become?
The goal is to see this land grow into a full holistic retreat and wellness reserve. We want to be able to provide long-time lodging, activities, full-service event space, teaching/practice, and space. It’s more than just camping and riding four-wheelers, it’s about creating community and having a place for that to thrive.
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