Outdoor Afro Was Made for This Moment

In times of change, uncertainty, and even exhaustion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The weight of the world’s challenges—whether social, environmental, or personal—can be relentless. But Outdoor Afro was made for this moment.

We have always been a steady refuge in shifting sands, not just reacting to the moment, but rising above it—rooted in something deeper. For years, Outdoor Afro has served as an oasis organization, not an activist organization. While activism has its role, our work has been about something just as powerful: renewal, restoration, and connection.

A Refuge from Burnout

Rue Mapp sitting in a white wicker chair in a lush, green backyard garden

The pressures of modern life can wear anyone down, and burnout is real—especially for those carrying the work of change, leadership, and community building. But we know that nature is the great reset button, offering space to breathe, to heal, and to remember what truly matters. Stepping outside isn’t just an escape; it’s a return to balance. This is why we exist.

Nature as Common Ground

Rue Mapp smiling while riding a brown horse in the woods
Photo courtesy of Blue Bandida

Outdoor Afro has had many moments over the years—milestones, celebrations, and challenges. Through them all, we have remained a place where people can gather, reset, and find common ground. In nature, divisions fade. Differences become opportunities for learning, not barriers. A shared trail, a river’s edge, or a quiet forest moment reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Gratitude for Our Community

Rue Mapp and Gina Wright laughing together at the 2024 Outdoor Afro Leadership Training
Photo courtesy of Bethanie Hines Photography

Through every challenge, Outdoor Afro has thrived because of the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and participants. Your commitment, passion, and generosity have helped us build a movement that is both joyful and sustaining. No matter how the world changes, this network continues to grow, creating more spaces where people can find peace, strength, and connection.

Moving Forward, Grounded in Nature

A side-profile silhouette of a duck sitting in an expansive marsh, and a golden hour sunset in the horizon.

This moment—whatever it brings—is exactly what we are built for. Not just to weather the storm, but to provide an enduring place of renewal. Outdoor Afro will continue to be the steady refuge, the bridge across differences, and the reminder that nature is in all of us.

We are grateful for the journey, for this moment, and for the many more to come. Let’s keep going—together.