Black in Geography Day
October 27, Every Year, Everywhere
Celebrating Black Voices in Geo Practices, Geo Tech, and Mapping
Why We Lead This Work
Black in Geography Day was initiated by NorthStar of GIS, the nonprofit founded to increase Black representation and racial justice in geography, geo tech, and related fields. Since 2018, NorthStar has been at the forefront of advancing racial justice through mapping and geo practices.
We honor Dr. Gladys West, a pioneering mathematician whose work on satellite geodesy laid the foundation for GPS technology. Her brilliance reminds us of the countless contributions Black people have made to geography and mapping—contributions too often overlooked but essential to how we all navigate the world.
Why Black in Geography Day Matters
Geography isn’t about neutral maps making the world easier to understand. Maps are never neutral.
Geography is how decisions are made about resources, communities, climate, health, and justice.
Geo practices and geo tech impact every person on Earth.
And the harms of Geo practices and geo tech tend to fall more heavily on Black communities around the globe.
Yet Black voices remain underrepresented in shaping those tools and systems.
Black in Geography Day is for:
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Black Geo Folks
Black in Geography Day enables Black geo students, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to share and elevate their work, experiences, and stories.
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Organizations & Allies
Black in Geography Day provides another opportunity for organizations and individuals to uplift Black colleagues, peers, mentors, and students using geography, maps, and geo tech.
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Everyone on Earth
Black in Geography Day is for all of you who want to understand how geo practices and geo tech impact your daily lives and futures, and that of the communities around and distant from you.
But Why a Day for Black in Geography?
Isn’t Geography Already Inclusive?
Geography shapes every life on Earth, but historically, Black contributions have been overlooked or erased. Black in Geography Day shines a light where history has dimmed it.
Why Focus on Race at All?
Because maps and geo tech have often been used to harm Black communities (redlining, inequitable resource allocation). Naming and centering Black experiences helps ensure equity for everyone.
Isn’t One Day Too Small to Matter?
Yes. Yet, one day can spark global conversations, build visibility, and launch year-round efforts. Movements often begin with a single, clear moment of focus.
Can’t We Celebrate Geography in General?
General celebrations rarely highlight Black voices. Without intentional space, systemic erasure continues. Black in Geography Day ensures visibility and belonging.
What If I Don’t Work in Geo Fields?
If you live on this planet, geography shapes your daily life—climate, housing, health, education, and more. Black in Geography Day is about community impact, not just careers.
Isn’t This Just Symbolic?
Symbols matter. They shift narratives, open doors, and inspire change. But Black in Geography Day is more than symbolic—it’s a call to action for allies, organizations, and communities to invest, uplift, and amplify Black voices in geo practices.
What can you do?
How to Take Part
On October 27, we invite everyone to participate:
Are you Black and using maps, geo practices, or geo tech?
Are you an ally, colleague, or leader of an organization?
Are you living on Earth and interested in your community?
Share Your Story
On Black in Geography Day, October 27th
If you are Black and in geo fields:
Post about your work, experiences, or how you use geo practices and geo tech.
Share how geography shapes your life, career, or community.
Use the hashtag #BlackInGeography.
Participate & Partner
On Black in Geography Day, October 27th
If you are an ally, colleague, or organization:
Spotlight Black colleagues, mentors, or peers who inspire you.
Share stories of Black-led geo projects that have made an impact.
Use #BlackInGeography to amplify voices, not replace them.
Support Black geo Folks
On Black in Geography Day, October 27th
Everyone can:
Follow the hashtag.
Learn from the stories being shared.
Support NorthStar of GIS to expand programs for Black geo students, professionals, and communities.
