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How to rid the woods of racism

For many people, getting outside can be a chance to relax and unwind. For people of color, it can also mean having to deal with racism.

People of color and their allies gathered outside Seattle last weekend at a festival aimed at changing that.

At the Tolt-Macdonald Park in Carnation, a deejee played music while attendees of the second annual Refuge Outdoors Festival line up for pancakes.

Chevon Powell founded the festival after an incident when a policeman pulled her over in Vermont and wouldn’t believe she was there to go hiking.

She said she wanted to create a safe space and also build community.

"It’s not just a fun weekend. It’s about learning the skills, sharing the skills. People can get connected in the local area so that they can continue to do outdoor activities and so they can feel comfortable doing those beyond this weekend," Powell said.

Powell has plans to grow the festival.

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