Note: This is my opinion and not necessarily that of RVtravel.com
Last week I wrote an article about a Black couple that is building an RV park in Alabama and received a myriad of comments. These comments ranged from “Congratulations!”, “Great job!”, “I wish them the best!” – to questioning why “Black” even belonged in the article. I was also told never to go to Alabama, I am not welcome. Several people indicated it was race-baiting, media-promoted and disgusting to bring up race.
Race is a conversation that is happening. It is a conversation that if you are white, it can be uncomfortable. If you are Black it is a conversation you live. It is my family being Black in America every day.
I was frankly amazed that there were any issues at all in this positive, supportive, newsworthy article. I am also amazed at how invisibility allows the same kind, generous people we meet in the campground to be argumentative and caustic online. We are full-time RVers. These are our neighbors! The negative comments both deeply saddened me and compelled me to explain why it is important to say that they are a Black couple.
Why does Black matter?
Black matters because there are so very few Black RVers and campers. Several people mentioned that in their comments. My black, brown and white family has been camping for 30 years and I can count on one hand the number of other black and brown families that we have seen. It was with great excitement I read and reported on Time Away RV Resort’s upcoming grand opening. There are so few minority-owned campgrounds that it was important to highlight the Lawson’s success in building one of the largest RV parks.
Black matters when my children and grandchildren can see others like them. My oldest granddaughter recently told me that other families just assumed she was adopted when we took her camping.
Black matters because it is an invitation. It is code for ALL are welcome here. It encourages people of color to come and camp too – enjoy nature, go to a NASCAR race, sit around a campfire, and have a s’mores.
Black matters when, and this is where it gets touchy, African Americans have not felt particularly welcome nor safe camping. The turmoil and division of this past year have not made camping feel any safer either. Without getting historical about it, suffice it to say that camping in the woods has not necessarily been the traditional vacation choice of African Americans.
Barriers remain news
Perhaps there will be a time in the not-too-distant future where identifying by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or ability will not be news. But as every barrier is cracked or broken, it will remain news.
And about Alabama – I meant no disrespect to the great state of Alabama. My husband is from Mississippi and we have spent a lot of time camping in both states. To the person who “uninvited” me to Alabama, sorry to disappoint but I just can’t wait to camp at Time Away RV Resort soon.
Read more about Time Away RV Resort in last week’s article.
Editor’s Note: All comments are welcome but if you are disrespectful or hateful we have the right to remove your comment(s) from our website. RVtravel.com does not support hateful comments.
##RVT1003
It was a great original article about an amazing couple, Nanci! Your response is also important because those rose-colored glasses seem to be out of stock after everyone buying them up.
One of the most important call outs here is the inclusion of all in the RV community and the long term health of the industry, that benefits all. It’s important for stories like this that encourage inclusion and hopefully attract new people into the community for years to come.
Dave,
Terrific comment. I also questioned “why insert color of skin.” It’s obvious, your inclusion of race was important. Strikes to the heart of this great national tragedy. Well done.
It was an excellent article Nanci, as is your heartfelt response. We had the pleasure of interviewing Alicia and Nathan recently on “RVing in New England” – even though Alabama isn’t in New England! Like you, we felt it was an important, and exciting, story to tell and congratulate them on their new business venture. They are a terrific family with a great story to tell and I hope everyone will stay at the Time Away RV Resort when they visit Alabama this year. The great enjoyment of camping is meeting new people who enjoy socializing with others outdoors – regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, occupation, religion or any other differentiator. We are all out here to enjoy this great country and the great people that make it what it is. You can watch our interview with Alicia and Nathan here: https://www.facebook.com/369037100112/videos/267721908036715
Nanci,
Your articles are informative and well done. Let me share an observation. We know there is a racism issue in this country and a serious social deterioration problem! Many younger (and some older) folks have no moral compass. One thing that I have seen and have discussed with others is how the actions of BLM is negatively affecting the problem. Nearly everyone has seen the videos on the media of people burning, looting, fighting with and killing police. Demonstrations are OK – this is not! Unfortunately the failures of mayors and other politicians in dealing with these incidents has exacerbated the problem. People are fed up and that includes law-abiding blacks and other minorities. One black person I spoke with referred to these looters as “damned (n word)”! Unfortunately I believe that all this violence has led to even more racist views among some of the non-black community. Law and order needs to be restored.
Keep up the good work. You are welcome at our campsite.
Well stated John. I agree. I believe the majority of folks, regardless of color or other demographic, don’t have an issue with racism. Organizations like BLM who use the polarizing bias of main stream media to control the narrative and keep racism in the forefront is counterintuitive to the advancement of their cause and us as a society. More stories need to be published where only the content is front and center. People are people and that’s all. IMO, the article would have been better served if race was left out of it and RVtravel.com promoted the work the folks put into the campground to achieve their dream. That’s where the real story is.
Not true.
Best letter here. Well said
Unfortunately, the focus on a few clips of criminal behavior is being promoted as “BLM = violence” which is by no means true. Certain fake media organizations are continually replaying these clips in order to scare you. Maybe stop falling for it and focus instead on the REAL issues of inequity that, if one cares to look, are seen everyday?
Yup who in their right mind thinks their going change people who really are racist by calling every person not of their race a racist. It’s a big turn off and racist to do so. Stop with the racism card and narrative or I’m outta here. Turning me off and separating my friends of all colors who were and are well beyond this nonsense that promotes some kind of political insurrection, etc. We know who the culprits are, go work on those. Stop already, we’re so over it! Are we going to get this the rest of our life?
Out of the 33 comments received so far this morning (10:15 a.m. Pacific), this is the only negative one regarding this article. Thank you to the other 32 commenters for their positive and supportive remarks. We, and the vast majority of our wonderful readers, appreciate you! And a huge “Thank you” to Nanci for discussing this very relevant topic – relevant not only in the RVing community but in every aspect of life in the U.S.! [Update: Another negative comment just came in as I was writing this.] —Diane
Great article, and an informative, sensible response. At first, I also thought “Why mention race? If they were white, most likely there would be no mention of race!”. Then I reflected on the demographics I’ve seen as I travel around the country, mostly camping in state parks…very few minorities, seemingly few LBGTQ.
Makes me wonder…do these folks feel unwelcome? Does that feeling keep many folks from trying camping, preferring to “blend” into city vacations?
By mentioning race, or sexual orientation of campground owners, perhaps underserved folks will feel this is a place they will be comfortable and welcome, and hopefully be able to extend that feeling to other campgrounds. After all, those of us who love camping want others to have the same joy.
Thank you for the follow up. So far all of the comments are supportive and I hope it continues. I’m an old white guy myself but I have 7 biracial grandchildren. I love all of them and want them to appreciate this amazing country as much as I do.
We talk about the gifts that our multi cultural family have. Being open about race, including the burdens and opportunities is the best way forward.
Keep up the great work, Nanci I want to visit that campground soon, but our most recent trip took us to Selma-Montgomery for a pretty moving experience.
I think your article and follow up was great. Thanks for spotlighting this enterprising couple.
I couldn’t have said it better! Thanks Nanci!!
Stay safe, Joe
PS I am white but I can understand the history of reluctance of people of color to camp. In Indiana last year, a young black man and his white friend entered a campground near a large lake to go look at the moon. They passed a group of people who ultimately tied him to a tree and were threatening to lynch him. By the grace of God he was let go. Park officials did nothing to the men. It was only after outcry on many levels that charges were filed. We do live in a scary world that I(white person) fear at times, I cannot imagine having to be on high alert ALL the time because of the color of my skin.
Your story highlights the reality that so many weak minded and ego-fragile folks just don’t want to face.
Both articles are great, keep up the good work. As far as the negative comment about BLM protesters they are no way as bad as the white supemists which stormed the capital and tried to overthrow our government.
When you label all the protesters “white supremacists” (spelling corrected), you are displaying your bigotry. Painting everyone in any group as the same is exactly what racism, ageism, sexism is. Please, think before you speak or write something.
Oh please. How about dealing with the actual reality.
Yes, Dick, Please, think before you speak or write something.
Thank you Nanci. Keep up the good work.
I became a paid subscriber to this newsletter to show my support after there was a slew of hateful, racist comments on a previous piece about POC camping. As a campground host, I want to see the camping world become much more diverse.
Thank you, Carol. And thank you for your support of the human race. Take care. 😀 —Diane
I am in California and I called the very day (about a month ago) and reserved a site for June. I also donated my site to a veteran who could use it. I talked to the nicest lady and we talked for a good 15 minutes. We will be traveling back there later this year and hope to stay a day or 2. Black? So what! If our country/world had the same outlook on life that RV’ers had we would be so much better off. After all WE RV’ers are a friendly bunch. Think about it!!!!
Thank you for your generosity, Lee! That’s wonderful. And we bet you’ll have a terrific time at the Time Away RV Resort. Have a great day! 😀 —Diane
Nanci,
Thank you for standing up to bigots and their hatred. I just reposted your piece on Facebook. I hope to see you down the road.
Saying “Black” matters. I am a 62 yo white fulltime rver, and Nanci is right, there is no real black presence in the rv community. We have spent the last 2 weeks in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, have seen Asian, French, German, and other European tourists. Have seen plenty of white (only assume US) tourists, many as families with school age kids, but almost no black families. Why is that? To highlight a “black” couple opening an rv park may show the black community that they can be a part of this lifestyle, too. I certainly hope so, we need more diversity, which leads to more conversations and more understanding.
I loved the initial article and the thoughtful follow up. As a (white) father with biracial children and grandchildren, I often worry they won’t feel welcome or be safe in all white settings. As such, I welcome more diversity in the RV community and I am ever so grateful to Nanci and RVTravel for bringing it up here.
The folks that complain about using the term “Black” are those who simply can’t handle the truth.
For some reason, they see this discussion as a personal accusation instead of the long-overdue, thoughtful discussion that should have been taking place over the last hundred-plus years.
Folks, no one is personally accusing YOU of the systematic racial inequities that have been, and continue to be endemic to our society. But stop with the desperate attempts to ignore reality. They don’t help anyone, and, frankly, bring the terms “fragile flower” and “snowflake” to mind.
It’s okay and actually liberating to be able to face the truth. Unfortunately, whole generations of southerners and by extension, Whites in other parts of the country, have been systematically disinformed and fed propaganda due to the early efforts of the Daughters of the Confederacy since the mid-to late-1800’s. Time to deal with reality, and chill. This old White lady is not hurt by the discussion.
I am not hurt by the discussion, just disgusted that in 2021 it is still going on. It is just an excuse to hate. Truth, funny I saw no truth in her article only someone looking for an excuse to accuse others for the faults she sees in herself.
Mirror, anyone?
What???
“An excuse to accuse others for the fault she sees in herself?” That statement makes zero sense.
Thank you for writing this article
Thank you for writing both articles. Great job on both and thankful the Lawson’s are building this campground. We are a white, black and brown family as well. We became full time in March. We have experienced mostly very nice and welcoming people with a few “looks” mixed in. We are planning a Disney trip after the first of the year and will for sure make plans to visit Time Away as we go through AL.
Thank you for this article AND last week’s, Nanci! Because of last week’s article we have booked four nights at the end of June to help celebrate the opening of Time Away RV Resort. Certainly the opportunity to lock-in a future discounted was an attraction, but even more so was the opportunity to support, encourage the entrepreneurial owners. We, too, have noticed the general lack of black and brown campers during our travels. We have tried to be extremely friendly without being intrusive. We are looking forward to staying at Time Away and the possibility of getting to know the owners. Thank you again for alerting us to the campground!
I enjoyed the article and look forward to visiting the campground.
We have been camping for over 20 years, and yes we have only seen a few Black families. However, over the past couple of years we have seen an increase. We camp at Cherry Hill Campground out side of Washington DC. a couple of times a year and have seen an increase in black families, as a matter of fact our last outing there our neighbors were black and Very new to camping. (It was their 1st trip). the location that they bought the camper from gave them basically NO information on how to set up, level the camper electric / sewer connections etc. So between my wife and I we got them set up… and ALL of us enjoyed a wonderful weekend. We don’t worry about the color of someones skin, we are concerned how they conduct themselves around other campers, ie noise, getting drunk, and pet control. All in all we have had some great neighbors, and just a few bad apples over the years. To us, Color or Nationality does NOT matter !!
Thank you. Personally, I was very excited to see that there’s an option for camping in Lincoln besides an open field. We went to a race in 2018. Found a FHU campground near where Time Away is now located, but….it still was an open field with many permanent residents and those were in various states of disrepair. I don’t remember if the Lawson’s were including a laundry facility, but take it from me, a clean, reasonably priced laundry is much needed in the area. Sorry for my lengthy comment. Again, thank you for reporting on a welcoming and nice option in that area.
We once camped with a mixed race couple in a northern Illinois state park — friends from work. I can’t adequately describe the hateful and despising looks we got from passersby as we were sitting around our campsite.
I’m sure many financial and social factors enter into the demographic picture here. But if that if that is the typical experience for campers of color, I understand why camping wouldn’t exactly be high on the list of activity options within minority communities.
I lived 35 years in the northeastern part of IL, 7 1/2 yrs in the south while in the USMC, and now I have lived in northern AL and southern TN since 7/85. I can tell you there was more racism in the north than the south. I worked on the south side of Chicago for 16 yrs.that was extremely racists. Nobody got along, when I moved to AL I worked alongside blacks everyday like each of us was colorblind, I lived across the road from a black family that would’ve given me the shirt off his back and me him. It’s the hate mongers in the north that continually keeps everything stirred up is where the problem lies.
I do wish this couple the “best” as I would anyone starting a new business. As long as “black” is a part of the conversation then it will matter. Your explanationa of your own article does not change my mind in fact it further shows me how on the fence you are and some hidden guilt you have. People are people, their outer coating does not matter it is “what’s inside” the counts. Hatred is our countries problem and it disturbs me that there is no mention of it in your article. Racism is not one size fits all, there are Blacks that hate whites, there are people (all cultural backgrounds) that hate, period. This is what we must end or at least ignore. Until this “white supremacy stupidy” stops and we recognize that life “ain’t” perfect we will continue to have articles like yours. All people cannot and will not “love” each other, we are stuck with that, live with it, make the best of it and try not to be preachy, it does not work. The remedy is teaching our children to not hate.
Racist says what?
YES, great job opening your own RV park. Next time I’m traveling AL I will look you folks up and stay while. Hey, you selfish people out there. We are all human and deserve respect.
Besides MONEY IS GREEN, Do you hate money?
I don’t look to see if businesses are owned by race. I have camped at dozens of campgrounds and made purchases at thousands of stores. My criteria for judgement of the business is/was my experience a pleasant one? I have camped beside people of different races and have found that almost ALL campers are friendly, with a few campers being rude or ignorant. I am more concerned about whether my fellow campers pick up after their dogs or keep their kids and dogs under control.
And as far as the campground in Alabama (Roll Tide) is concerned, if my stay is pleasant, I will be happy to return.
Loved this. Thank you for sticking true to your values RVTravel and all your writers. 🤗
The only response relevant to this newsletter is congratulations on opening a new campground.
Thank you Nanci, for your willingness to address hard stuff. I am so sorry that some people felt the need to make disparaging and mean spirited comments. I tell myself they are the outliers. We too will plan to visit Time Away RV Resort next time we go through Alabama.
Just like every owner of a business and particularly RV parks, I wish them success and a great legacy to leave to their children and community. It is hard to be a business owner and will never get easier.
Good pieces…both of them. We are full-timers and noticed a long time ago the lack of different colors in the campgrounds in 44 of the 48 states! So glad that there are some people willing to risk their futures to build and run a new RV park! The color of their skin is and should be irrelevant. The fact that a minority couple will risk all to open a park in Alabama shows a lot of guts. Their blood, sweat and tears are all the same color as ours. All RVers should cheer them on!
Good message, Donald. Thank you! Take care. 😀 —Diane
Wish them the best~ it was a good article too!
Wow! there are white bears, and there are brown bears, and there are black bears. Oh, ya, there are also some grizzly bears.
“Black” does matter. As gay campers, we are well aware of this and go out of our way to chat with Brown and Black campers on the rare occasions we encounter them. We want them to know there is at least one set of friendly faces in case they need it. We appreciate it when people “recognize” us and do the same.
I enjoyed the article and look forward to being able to visit the new rv park. What a shame our country is so torn after so much work that has been done to turn the page and have everyone strive for excellence. Our country should not have these issues in 2021. I love meeting people from all walks of life. That’s how we grow! I pray the new rv park knocks it out of the ball park. And I hope you have a fabulous time at Time Away.
I am white. It is specifically because you are black and of a mixed race marriage that I eagerly anticipate and voraciously consume your articles (and because you are an excellent writer!). I thoroughly enjoy learning different viewpoints/experiences, am encouraged when I read positive stories like the one about Time Away RV Resort, and am saddened when I hear you receive negative comments that show that, while I believe our country has come A LONG way, ugly racism still exists in the hearts of some individuals. I would like to think that number is an ever decreasing, tiny percentage. But maybe that is wishful thinking on my part.
I look forward to your next article!
Sooo…here’s my honest and complete opinion. I’m 78 years old, grew up in Ohio with the proportional number of Blacks one would expect there living together in our town, playing sports and engaged in social activities with my Black neighbors. Went to college and into the Army with many Blacks who I never looked upon as anything other than equal. In my professional life had many who attained equal and or greater success for them…and their families.
THIS was because we were all Americans first…
And now generations later, as a White person, I’m expected to feel guilty about my “whiteness”, accept what the ghettos have produced, that which I had NOTHING to do with creating, not just understand but feel sympathy for the demise the Black community has allowed itself to become…I call horse crap to it all. If Blacks can’t accept me and where we all came from, what we all had the same opportunity and who we were…then I’m fed up with their self pitying. It all on them…not me!
This folks, is white fragility.
I don’t believe “fragility” has anything to do with TangoChuck’s post. I have lived and worked alongside folks from all demographics for years without problems until this year when I was called a racist because I didn’t agree with BLM organization mantras. Contrary to popular belief, just because some folks don’t bow down or “take the knee” to these fools doesn’t make them racist and shouldn’t be labeled as such.
I didn’t say he was racist. No one is asking others to “bow down.” Making these inferences is part of what white fragility means. Do some research and you might come away with a better understanding of what white fragility actually means and can hopefully avoid it yourself. I certainly learned a lot about how I was complicit in harmful behavior and not knowing it.
Bam!
You’re not expected to feel guilty. You’re just supposed to read the article and be happy for this couple doing what they are doing. Hopefully they’ll continue to help attract people into RV life, from all walks.
Nanci never asked for money. Nanci never asked you to feel guilty. Nanci was sharing a great story. You decided you should have some alternate feelings for some reason.
Well said Nanci. We all know that white and blue lives matter, it is sad that we need reminded that black lives also matter.
Thanks for another great article Nanci, please keep up the good work.
It sucks to go somewhere and not feel welcome, or worse unsafe…. Been there lived that, and we pass for “white”. The more we understand each other, the better we understand ourselves. Acknowledgment, a smile, a helping hand, general friendliness goes a long way.
Great article and response. Keep up the good work and highlighting diversity.
Stating that the Lawson’s are Black does matter. That they are tackling this huge project as a Black couple does matter. It is important to acknowledge the enterprises of Black Americans as well as those of people of color and do it out loud right now.
My wife and I as Q ueer white women are aware that we can ‘pass’ as straight and not appear “other.” People of Color are instantly recognizable as such at first glance and often just as quickly are deemed “other” & “not like us”. Skin color matters, though humans all bleed red and shed tears of salt, blood and salt are shed far more often by people of color for the sole reason that their skin is not white.
I lived in Alabama for over 20 years, BTW. Time Away is a brave enterprise by a courageous couple who are a rarity in the CG/RVing business!
Nanci’s articles are part of a nationally relevant conversation. Thank you RVTravel. Congratulations Nanci, for sharing your point-of-view (POV), starting and engaging in The Conversation.
I agree with all the positive comments posted, Nanci. Don’t sweat the ignorant ones. They are a slowly dying breed. Just a shame it can’t come quicker. Always look forward to your stories.
Stop with the color specific analogy. Hockey players by enlarge are that, hockey players. Basketball players are predominately that, basketball players. See where you read into it. There my friends, is the issue you bring upon yourself. A society who remains divided, because you allow others to tell you what you know. I leave you with those immortal words of Dr. King. He changed things, he truly didn’t see a difference. That was then.
Then we arrived here. Do some deep soul searching, and unless you see how we got here, there can be no solution to get back to where we were in this country, just 13 years ago. What was before, can be again. Dont let the hard work of Dr. King, be lost to history.
You hit the nail on the head. I camp with folks that are black, brown & white. I look at them as friends and fellow campers. Whether you are a good person or a bad person color does not matter. Just like I would not ask what color the owners are when making camping reservations. Yes camp grounds tend to be more white owned. But lets look at the other side. I do not go around pointing out every time a white person opens a hotel or convent store which are mostly non white owned business any more. Dr. King is rolling in his grave at what folks have done to bring division back. I am happy for this couple and hope everything goes well.
Nancy, your article makes the mistake of pointing out that you don’t see many people of any color camping, with the implication that “there must be a reason why this is so”! How about just plain old choice. That seems to be a word lost on woke society today, Choice.
Stating that there aren’t a lot of folks of color camping, why? is like asking why Polish people eat more pierogis than Italians. We all are where we came from with traditions and practices instilled into us through our upbringing.
I’m happy for the “Black” family that opened a campground. However, their color should have nothing to do with their success and entrepreneurial spirit, and that’s what should be highlighted.
If you are Italian you pretty much have always been able to eat pierogis. If you are black, you were absolutely forbidden to even enter parks, beaches, country clubs, lunch counters, and a host of other facilities, by law, in all of the south and much of the rest of the country. There was no choice involved, and so black folks today never had the experience passed down from their parents and friends as you did.
Many of us have played the game where we are asked to pick out the differences between drawing #1 and drawing #2. If you take them at face value they are the same….only when we are forced to look for those difference do they become an issue.
People are all built by the same maker using the same pattern for thousands of years. The fact that we have different wrappings was the choice of our creator, not our brothers and sisters. But the more we point out those differences, the more we see them.
For the past year or so, you have run a series that follows a couple step-by-step through their building a campground. I don’t recall your sharing their ethnicity with us. Perhaps because it was not important. Drawing #1 vs. drawing #2?
Perhaps the next series could be an exploration of minorities in camping…how many Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, et al. are in the mix? I am not sure why that would be of interest to anyone, but based on the assertions made here, it must be.
Nanci, thanks for the well written piece. I Just added this new park as a 3 day stop on this year’s, not so direct run, to Florida. We are resuming our yearly escape from the Pittsburgh snow. Loved the fresh web site and the park looks great. Looking forward to our visit.
I thought it was a great article and thank you for sharing.
Black does matter! For all the articles in the world that ever identified the suspect of a crime as being a black person, we also need articles that identify black people that have achieved or chosen something different. Children of all colors need to see, (adults too, apparently,) every example that they can get of people, of all colors, genders, and lifestyles, choosing and succeeding in all types of things. Too often, people are trapped within stereotypes assigned to them by previous generations. It does not matter if people of color have not usually camped in the past. It matters that people of color today know that it IS an option for them. An example of a black family that not only camps but has opened an RV Park, provides a much needed example of a lifestyle and a lucrative business that many people may have never considered possible, if not for the article. Thank you for your article!