Many Voices for Conservation and the Environment: Tykee James

202106 Tykee James from Audubon websiteContinuing our series focusing on the contributions of historically under-recognized groups to conservation and environmental advocacy, this month we are featuring Tykee James, Government Affairs Coordinator at Audubon and a co-founder of Black Birders Week. During last year's inaugural event, James moderated Audubon's virtual "Birding While Black" conversations with young Black birdwatchers to hear their stories of discovering birds and their unique experiences of birding while Black in America.

Born in Philadelphia, James moved around the country several times with his family, living in Wisconsin, California, and Texas, before returning to his hometown in 2011. Back in Philadelphia, a serious asthma attack triggered concerns about air pollution and the environment, and he began work as a naturalist and public educator at Philadelphia's Cobbs Creek Environmental Center. He also served as an environmental policy advisor to a Pennsylvania State Representative before moving to Washington, DC in 2018.

James joined the staff of the National Audubon Society in December of 2018 and found his passion in organizing bird walks with members of Congress and their staff to share his deep connection with nature and highlight environmental issues on behalf of the Audubon organization. He is also the host of the On Word for Wildlife podcast hosted by the Wildlife Observer Network.

Tykee James is a leading voice for equity and inclusion within the Audubon organization and in the wider birding community. According to Audubon, "James always finds a way to advocate for birds and the environment through the lenses of visibility and racial politics."

We at Duval Audubon Society applaud and support James' efforts to make birding more inclusive, and we are committed to making sure everyone feels welcome at any and all of our activities.