Assistant Professor, Kinesiology
Dr. Jennifer D. Roberts, Assistant Professor in Kinesiology, has dedicated her research to the built environment and its impact on physical activity. In her recent publication in Medium, titled "Central Park: Black Bodies Green Spaces, White Minds," Dr. Roberts provides insight on "the historical and contemporary use of white privilege for the exclusion of black bodies from green spaces in the United States."
Dr. Roberts highlights how recent incidents, such as Amy Cooper's 911 call stating "there’s an African American man threatening my life" during her encounter with Christian Cooper in Central Park, are just another reminder that "white privilege is not just about the physical body, but also about the physical space." Despite the historical context in which public parks were created, Dr. Roberts reinforces "all humans are entitled and have the right to spend time in 'nature-made' spaces."
Read Central Park: Black Bodies, Green Spaces, White Minds full article.