Why Smartwool + Outdoor Afro are a model partnership pair
Network partner Smartwool designs and produces Merino wool socks and accessories to help fuel a life lived outside. But its mission doesn’t stop there. From inclusivity and diversity to sustainability and advocacy, Smartwool uses its brand values to navigate the outdoor industry, curating products and a community to create a more accessible outdoors for everyone.
Recently, Outdoor Afro collaborated with Smartwool on a second hiking sock for the network's 2022 Juneteenth commemoration — designed by volunteer leader and artist Leandra Taylor to represent Black joy, healing, and unity in nature. The Outdoor Afro Hike Light Cushion Print Crew Socks became a colorful option for outdoor enthusiasts to fashion and wear while exploring their backyard versions of land, water, and wildlife. “I wanted to be intentional about what this sock represents,” said Taylor. “It’s universal. Different versions of Blackness to identify with because we’re not a monolith – even in our outdoor experiences.”
Taylor also created Outdoor Afro’s 2020 “Slice of Nature” socks to illustrate the network’s love for the outdoors despite entering COVID times. That Smartwool performance hike sock emphasized joy and community in the outdoors while standing together to protect local areas and wild places – even while quarantining. “The new print crew sock involved more than the patterns I typically create,” Taylor said. “The faces flow and wrap around the foot, showing every angle of our Black beauty.”
To get more people outside, Smartwool has focused on creating new fit blocks so communities can experience the comfort and natural performance of Merino wool. Fall 2022, it's proud to release the new unisex collection for everyday wear and women’s plus sizes in fan-favorite classic thermal base layer. Just the start to the brand's journey, offering more sizes and fit options. Natural fiber Merinio wool dominates Smartwool’s catalogue because of the inherent temperature control, sweat management, and odor resistance.
When additional materials are needed for durability and quicker dry times, Smartwool uses recycled materials whenever possible. And that’s not the only way our partner is putting the planet first. Smartwool launched the Second Cut™ Project on Earth Day 2021 — the outdoor industry’s first sock recycling platform. To date, Smartwool has collected 525,000-plus socks and diverted more than 42,000 pounds of usable materials from landfills to use in future products.
The Second Cut™ Project is a major step toward Smartwool's goal of 100 percent of its products designed for circularity. With its “go far. feel good.™” motto, the sock expert doesn’t care who you are. As long as you’re getting out that door. And Outdoor Afro knows personally the brand is dedicated to supporting communities every step of the way. For years now, Smartwool has helped Outdoor Afro amplify and celebrate Black voices in nature.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT SMARTWOOL: Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
National not-for-profit Outdoor Afro seeks executive director
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Outdoor Afro seeks an operational executive director to support the national network’s developing programs and growing team. “In our ‘Year of Operations,’ Outdoor Afro is searching for a passionate and strategic executive leader who is also a proven and savvy organizational manager,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “I look forward to being a thought partner with this person and helping support the sustainable growth trajectory of our organization.”
This hire is a new position for the national organization and network. Outdoor Afro started as a social enterprise for Mapp in 2009. She incorporated Outdoor Afro in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) and has led the organization since as its CEO. The organization has grown from a one-woman blog and three founding board members to 12 full-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors. Its operating budget has grown from a modest $110,000 in revenue in 2015 to now more than $2.5 million – largely from foundations, individuals, and corporate partner support.
The executive director will report to the board and serve as communications liaison between the board and staff. This new role will direct Outdoor Afro’s strategic growth efforts and operational efficiency to meet the moment of rapid growth for the organization. In partnership with Mapp, key board members, and staff, the executive director will function as the chief architect to oversee the strategic implementation of best-in-class, not-for-profit operations.
The selected candidate will construct and manage the necessary infrastructure to enable Outdoor Afro’s growth of its national programs and participation network around the United States. As founder, Mapp will remain Outdoor Afro’s CEO and spokeswoman. “After reviewing the position specifications,” said Mapp, “anyone is welcome to apply who feels they meet the qualifications for this important and compelling leadership opportunity.” Interested candidates can submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected], speaking to qualifications per the position specifications here.
*Pictured above is Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. Photo by Tiffanie Page.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
Outdoor Afro fundraiser reunites for 'Homecoming'
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – National not-for-profit Outdoor Afro brings back its annual fundraising event in the physical. Glamp Out 2022 takes place Friday, Oct. 14, and is fittingly themed “Homecoming.” “After two-years of having to do virtual events because of the pandemic, we are coming home in community with one another for our first in-person event since 2019,” said Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “This is not your dad’s conservation gala, either.”
The Academy Awards-inspired occasion is held at Scott’s Jack London Square this year from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the goal of raising more than $300,000 to support the organization’s year-long programs. Hosted by former Oakland broadcaster Dana King and featuring Golden State Warriors "Hypeman Auctioneer" Franco Finn for 2022, the occasion welcomes the outdoor community into an elegant evening like no other, said Mapp. Outdoor industry leaders, elected officials, celebrities, and cultural champions join to support the network’s mission: celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature.
Glamp Out is also an opportunity for the national nature-based community as a whole to exercise philanthropy: “Too often, we think about Black people in philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations as just the recipients or beneficiaries of program efforts,” Mapp said, “but we also are the ones giving and empowering organizations like Outdoor Afro to be in service of our community.”
The fundraiser not only deliberately strengthens the community and celebrates Outdoor Afro’s wins in the outdoors. It shares hope and encouragement to continue to change the narrative of who leads in nature while nurturing Black philanthropic efforts. Gala highlights for 2022 will include: TURFinc dance culture entertainment; Youth Speaks artists and educators; Oakland High School jazz band trio; “Partner of the Year” CLIF BAR®; “Lifetime Achievement” award recipient the late Dr. Nina S. Roberts; and “Leader of the Year” Stephen Scott.
Funds raised throughout the night will go toward outdoor education for Outdoor Afro’s volunteer leaders like Stephen. The network selects and trains volunteer leaders annually through Outdoor Afro Leadership Training to guide local communities in outdoor activities safely and sustainably. What started as a dozen volunteer outdoor enthusiasts in 2012 is now more than 100 volunteer leaders who lead neighborhood adventures like biking, hiking, gardening, kayaking, and ice climbing across the United States.
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Glamp Out also supports Outdoor Afro’s Making Waves program. The swim program offers “Swimmerships™” or swim lesson scholarships during the summer months. Outdoor Afro launched Making Waves in 2019 to address the alarming number of Black children who drown today tied to the historic prohibition of Black access to beaches and public swimming pools.
“We know that if a child doesn’t know how to swim, they likely aren’t going to care about plastic in the ocean,” Mapp said. “The planet needs us to be in relationship with water. For Outdoor Afro, it’s all about relationships. Glamp Out is a fantastic way to celebrate those relationships while also helping to support the work that has a life-saving impact in our community.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
Back by popular demand: Kili Mapp Kili Print Hammock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Two words summed up Outdoor Afro’s Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock by Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) when it initially launched in 2021: Sold. Out. But now it’s back. An updated, lengthier version ready to stretch out for seasonal lounging, and capturing special moments with family and friends. “I want people to feel warmth and joy every time they’re in this hammock,” said Leandra Taylor, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist behind the in-demand design.
This unique print and co-branded product relaunched fall 2022 with updated features, making it portable, packable, and always adventure-ready. Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Hammock Print incorporates bluesign® approved fabric, hammock-specific hardware, a bonus internal stash pocket housed in the stuff sack, and an extended 9.5-foot (2.9-meter) hammock body that creates more room for more memories. "Our partnership is a pertinent, timeless, and inspiring story that speaks so deeply to Outdoor Afro's mission with the world," said ENO's Marketing Director Anna Rawlins. "There is no better canvas for showcasing the artwork than a hammock – one that can be enjoyed outside and inspires all ages to explore, connect, and relax."
The limited-edition print developed after Taylor joined Outdoor Afro’s 2018 Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition in Tanzania, Africa. She was the youngest volunteer leader on that unforgettable hike. “Even with my lack of experience in this type of hiking, I knew I was called to do this climb,” she said. But by Day 3, Taylor had reached her limit. Exhausted, she relied on her teammates’ support and encouragement to make it to the mountain’s highest point.
Pulling inspiration from that experience and her surroundings, Taylor’s print braids in deep hues, unusual patterns and land topography from the high-endurance trip. The design incorporates a snake representing the Kili trail song and the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which sits at roughly 19,341 feet above sea level. Knowing exactly what gear and equipment to pack for the expedition became a critical piece to ascension success. The same packing process Taylor always wants outdoor adventurers to feel with this on-the-go hammock while traveling the world for lounging and leisure.
Advance notice: The Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock sells fast from in-store to digital shelves, so purchase this storytelling print online at enonation.com, or your local REI or outdoor retailer today. Proceeds from the collaboration help support Outdoor Afro’s mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. Now in its 13th year, the national not-for-profit organization includes:
- A 60,000-strong participation network
- 1,200-plus online and in-person events
- 100-plus selected and trained volunteer leaders nationwide
- 60 cities the network impacts across the country
- 46 Meetup networks to join
- 32 states with local networks, including Washington, D.C.
- 4 regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West)
Taylor can’t wait to reshare this newest version with fellow Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders and community members of her South Carolina network. “For me, swaying in this hammock is the definition of Black joy in nature,” she said. “Each color represents the vibrant culture of Tanzanian city Arusha and the joy we all felt on the mountain.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT ENO: Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, N.C., Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is the leader in creating high-quality hammocks and portable relaxation gear that inspires people to explore, connect and relax outside. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in over 13 countries. As a bluesign® System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products, and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations as a 1% for the Planet member. For more information, visit enonation.com.
Outdoor Afro x Smartwool launch second hiking sock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Restock your sock collection with a new, comfy styling option co-created by national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro and global sock and apparel brand Smartwool: the Outdoor Afro Hike Light Cushion Print Crew Socks. Launched July 2022 and designed by Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist Leandra Taylor, this colorful print speaks to Black joy, healing, and unity in nature.
On the heels of Outdoor Afro’s second annual Juneteenth commemoration, “I wanted to be intentional about what this sock represents,” said Taylor. “It’s universal. Different versions of Blackness to identify with because we’re not a monolith – even in our outdoor experiences.” Within a matter of weeks, Taylor’s creative process of scribbling, coloring, and sketching morphed into a collage of skin tones.
The Merino wool socks also feature a Virtually Seamless™ Toe to prevent chafing; 4 Degree™ Elite Fit System to stop bunching, blisters, or sock slippage; Indestructawool™ for unmatched durability; and mesh venting for maximum breathability and moisture management. The joint project marks the second time the two brands have partnered on a sock product.
Taylor also created Outdoor Afro’s 2020 “Slice of Nature” socks to illustrate the network’s love for the outdoors despite entering COVID times. That performance hike sock emphasized joy and community in the outdoors while standing together to protect local areas and wild places – even while quarantining. “This new sock involved more than the patterns I typically create,” Taylor said. “The faces flow and wrap around the foot, showing every angle of our Black beauty.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT SMARTWOOL: Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock and apparel brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, please visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
Outdoor Afro's Paddle Camp returns, doubles participation
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – An increasingly popular on-the-water experience for Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders is about to go into summer class again. Paddle Camp 2022 — in collaboration with boating and fishing equipment brand Northwest River Supplies, Inc. (NRS) — takes place July 30 through Aug. 6 on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
“It’s so fulfilling to help guide our volunteer leaders in activities that continue to strengthen our community connections to water,” said Chaya Harris, Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director. “Paddle Camp is an opportunity to teach proper paddling techniques and water safety so that our volunteers can take these lessons back into their neighborhoods.”
With the support and expertise of NRS, camp engagement increased from 10 Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders in 2021 to now 20 volunteers wanting to learn boating skills that will help them better navigate and explore local waters. The seven-day summer session will include 10 canoers and 10 kayakers taking in-class and lakeside courses at St. Michael’s College outside of Burlington. Each volunteer will take away invaluable training, earning a Level I or Level II kayaking or canoeing certification through the American Canoe Association.
“Breaking down barriers to the outdoors is about creating opportunities for people to develop the skills and knowledge they need to get outside safely and enjoyably,” said NRS Chief Marketing Officer Mark Deming. “We’re thrilled to be able to support this effort to prepare volunteer leaders from Outdoor Afro to share their love of the water with people in their home communities.”
DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS NATURE EXPERIENCE
Paddle Camp prepares volunteers to become certified canoeing and kayaking instructors. The camp is led by NRS ambassador, accredited paddling instructor, and outdoor school leader Todd Johnstone-Wright. Prior to last year’s Paddle Camp, Harris also became a certified instructor under Johnstone-Wright’s instruction and helped lead the inaugural Outdoor Afro volunteer leader cohort.
“Todd does an amazing job uplifting everyone as a fully capable learner while also honoring the knowledge and experience each participant brings,” Harris said, “no matter how minimal their skill sets may be at the start of camp.” Once camp completes, volunteer leaders are expected to host at least three post-camp activities in their respective communities across the United States. During 2021, volunteers exceeded this expectation, said Harris.
That year, up to 109 people learned how to paddle — as well as general paddle safety — after volunteers hosted follow-up paddling activities in their local communities. Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Antonio Simmons participated in the 2021 cohort. “I never imagined going into this camp that I would have an experience I thoroughly enjoyed the way that I did,” said the Delaware, Maryland, and Vermont network leader. “I came away with so many new tools.”
Harris anticipates volunteer leader participation and the overall community impact becoming something even bigger after this year’s camp. Paddle Camp is just one of many professional development opportunities Outdoor Afro offers. The network's now 117 volunteers are able to expand their leadership and outdoor safety acumen within the industry through local events, national conferences, and seasonal expeditions.
Annually, Outdoor Afro trains a select group of applicants to participate in its Outdoor Afro Leadership Training or OALT. This training equips volunteers with the essential outdoor proficiency to guide local communities in nature sustainably and safely. Paddle Camp is just another beneficial possibility that allows volunteers to build their nature portfolio. After successfully finishing the 2022 course, volunteers will have much to applaud alongside NRS, which celebrates 50 years in the business. Established in 1972 by business professor Bill Parks, NRS is the leading manufacturer of paddlesports equipment and apparel with a mission to empower adventures on the water.
In addition to creating boating gear, NRS is committed to preserving access to on-the-water recreation and to promoting stewardship of wild places. The brand works closely with national organizations and local groups throughout the world to help care for rivers, lakes, and oceans. “I was able to achieve my three classes in the DMV network last year as a result of Paddle Camp,” said Simmons. “Some people had never been kayaking, so seeing the joy and excitement on their faces as their fear of the water went away was thrilling and eye-opening.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro on social @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT NRS: NRS is 100-percent employee-owned and is the world’s leading supplier of equipment and apparel for water recreation, safety, and rescue. Founded in 1972 with a vision to create a better kind of company, NRS is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of its customers, employees, and community. For more information about NRS, visit nrs.com, @nrsweb, or call 877-677-4327.
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Machine Falls: where endurance hikers, leaders are born
The accordion-like hike chugs along with ease. Then, a collective cautiousness seeps in. Ahead, a 60-foot descension. Disjointed stones, hard-to-identify wooden staircases, and protruding tree roots offer occasional guidance with each unsure footstep. A steep, jagged drop any hiker would question. Then, her voice echoes toward the group: “Take your time,” said Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Danielle Young, 35. “There’s no rush.”
“Whew!” Some blurted. “Thank goodness!” Another wave murmured under their breath. Once that part of the hiking gauntlet completes, everyone temporarily lands back on solid ground. Young gives clear direction for this next part: It’s slippery entering the water. Which, by the way, comes to one's knee. Something she gave notice about weeks before on Outdoor Afro’s Tennessee Meetup page.
“So walk slowly,” Young said. “I will be there at the halfway point to tell you where to go next.” A woman of her word, she does. For the last time as an Outdoor Afro volunteer leader. An assignment she now passes to new 2022 volunteer leader Danae Gaiter, 36. After a few mental scares and semi-water treading hesitations, the party of nearly 15 community participants arrive at their destination: Machine Falls Loop Trail in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Roughly an hour drive from Nashville.
The aerospace and aviation hub in Southern Middle Tennessee is home to the world's most advanced flight testing center. Railroad construction actually created the community, which chartered in 1852. However, the city’s surrounding springs became popular tourist attractions alongside its growing avionics history. Machine Falls became one of Tullahoma’s many challenging sightseeing routes and waterfalls visitors wanted to test. Explore water life (creek beds and smaller waterfalls), fauna, and flora as pluses to the trail.
Positioned off a 4.1-mile loop, the more than 60-foot-tall waterfall is a top Outdoor Afro activity on Tennessee participants' to-visit list. For the past three years, Young has guided those interested in the destination on Outdoor Afro weekend adventures. COVID paused group trips to Machine Falls until recently. However, Young found personal peace at the waterfall while waiting for network events to start again. Outdoor Afro has helped Young in present times of grief.
“Logging offline and heading into nature is just soothing, especially with everything that has been thrown at me,” said Young, a cyber defense major. Because Young plans to move closer to her sister who lives in Texas, she recommended Gaiter as her volunteer leader replacement. Gaiter, who participated in her very first Outdoor Afro activity in November 2021, accepted. As network events posted to Meetup, Gaiter joined more journeys with Young. Refreshed. Inspired.
“It felt so good to be with like-minded people,” said Gaiter. “Breathing in the early morning air. That sense of being welcomed. Getting all my questions about nature answered.” Sold on taking Young’s place, Gaiter applied to become an Outdoor Afro volunteer leader. After many screenings and interviews by the networks’ national program director, Chaya Harris, Gaiter joined the Class of 2022 volunteer leaders. Totaling 117 volunteers this year. Next, Gaiter hopped on a flight to Granby, Colorado, for Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) held at River Run RV Resort.
Another weekend experience but for selected and trained applicants to gain the essential tools needed to guide local communities in nature sustainably and safely. The training is organized annually by Outdoor Afro staff and experienced volunteer leaders who share the organization's history, values, best practices, and industry knowledge, including: trip planning basics; health impacts of nature conservation ethics; risk management; and effective social media storytelling. Select partners and guest speakers are invited to the training to provide field insights, and share inspiration and encouragement.
After training, volunteer leaders like Gaiter create and guide monthly trips that foster local program collaborations, and help strengthen community relationships with land, water, and wildlife. Volunteers center joy and healing, disrupting a false perception that Black people do not have a relationship to nature. “I’m really big on making people feel comfortable,” said Gaiter. “We belong in this space. I look forward to reassuring our participants that there is safety in numbers within group experiences.” Gaiter’s contributions are part of Outdoor Afro’s 60,000 participation network.
The national not-for-profit organization spans 60 cities across the country. Located in 32 states, including Washington, D.C. That moment at Machine Falls where participants made it safely and together to the cascading water scene is what OALT prepares volunteer leaders for. The arduous hike left 67-year-old Jesse Green Jr. of Nashville in anticipation for the local network’s next nature quest. “I could have stayed at that waterfall all day with Outdoor Afro,” said Green Jr., a former YMCA certified swim instructor trainer. “I loved hearing the water. Although it was really cold water, it was a great experience with new people.”
Outdoor Afro holds 2nd annual Juneteenth commemoration
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – National not-for-profit Outdoor Afro will commemorate a significant part of American history through nature healing for Juneteenth 2022’s designated three-day holiday weekend taking place June 18 to June 20. This year’s theme: Reflecting on Freedom with Outdoor Afro. Juneteenth is historically marked as June 19. Outdoor Afro is offering the American people a nationwide invitation to achieve one simple request on this day: join our network to reflect on what it means to be free in this country.
“We can’t lose sight of what Juneteenth is truly about,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “There’s this false narrative of what the holiday symbolizes. Traditionally, America has recognized this day as a ‘celebration’ to the end of slavery in the United States – but that is not accurate.” In reality, June 19, 1865, is the date 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. What appeared as “good” news was a memo the enslaved finally received two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect.
“Outdoor Afro is correcting this narrative by sharing this history across the country,” said Outdoor Afro’s COO Joseph Mouzon. “To honor this day, we encourage our local communities, partners, supporters, and regional networks to just spend time in nature. Whether that’s at a nearby beach, public park, or your own backyard.” How you can join Outdoor Afro in reflecting on and commemorating freedom:
REGISTER HERE. By doing so, you’re simply pledging to join Outdoor Afro in nature. That’s it. We aim to get 50,000 people outside anywhere they feel comfortable in nature for only 2.5 hours to symbolize the 2.5 years of freedom delayed for the 250,000 enslaved people of Galveston, Texas.
REFLECT WITH US AFTER JUNE 19. Immediately after Juneteenth, Outdoor Afro wants to know how participants spent their 2.5 hours outdoors. These nature stories connect to the American storyline by becoming a modern-day change agent and source of healing from our country’s traumatic past. Outdoor Afro will add this nature-rich content to its site to illustrate its ongoing Black joy and Black healing in nature efforts.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us on social at @outdoorafro
Annual network training welcomes new nature lovers
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA– It’s considered the “most wonderful time of the year” for national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. And for 2022, the organization’s always-anticipated Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) finally returns in person. “Two years ago, COVID forced us to shift our annual training into consecutive virtual workshops and interactive sessions,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “We’re so excited that we can now gather safely in a space that accommodates our staff, partners, and the 2022 class of volunteer leaders in nature.”
OALT is where outdoor enthusiasts gain firsthand experience in navigating and leading in nature. This year’s training with more than 100 new and returning volunteer leaders takes place at Sun Outdoors’ River Run RV Resort in Granby, Colorado, starting Earth Day 2022 from April 22 through April 24. Coinciding with Earth Day’s 2022 theme of “Invest in Our Planet,” OALT discusses and puts into action outdoor conservation, education, and recreation so that volunteer leaders can create safe, sustainable, and nature-rich activities in their local communities across the United States.
Outdoor Afro’s mission is to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature. With a brand-new cohort of selected volunteer leaders for 2022-23, OALT is an intimate opportunity for volunteers, Outdoor Afro staff, and network partners to bond and continue to strengthen Black people’s relationships with the outdoors. For this year’s training, Outdoor Afro partnered with Sun Outdoors – a leader in outdoor hospitality with more than 175 resorts and campgrounds across the United States and Canada.
“This partnership with Outdoor Afro is an important element in our overall goal as a company,” said Karen Dearing, Chief Financial Officer for Sun Outdoors’ parent company Sun Communities, “creating a path towards fostering a more diverse society.” At Sun Outdoors’ River Run location, Outdoor Afro staff and experienced volunteers will share the organization’s history, values, best practices, and industry knowledge, including: trip planning basics; health impacts of nature; conservation ethics; risk management; and effective social media storytelling.
Select partners and guest speakers are invited to the training to provide field insights, and share inspiration and encouragement. After training, volunteer leaders create and guide monthly trips that foster local program collaborations, and help strengthen community relationships with land, water, and wildlife. Some examples of nature-rich experiences Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders guide after the training completes: camping, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, skiing, horseback riding, canoeing, geocaching, bird watching, nature journaling, and more.
Volunteer leaders center joy and healing, while also disrupting a false perception that Black people do not have a relationship to nature. Outdoor Afro formed 13 years ago. OALT started in 2012 with just a dozen volunteer outdoor enthusiasts. Each took the call to learn directly from Mapp about how to inspire and guide unforgettable experiences in nature. “OALT is like a family reunion,” said Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director Chaya Harris. “Our volunteer leaders join us from our four regions – Midwest, Northeast, South, and West – for a weekend filled with organized intergenerational fun and outdoor learning.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT SUN OUTDOORS: Sun Outdoors is a leader in outdoor hospitality and committed to its mission of offering guests exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. With over 175 locations across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, Sun Outdoors offers guests several ways to stay: from RV sites to vacation rentals, from tent camping to glamping, whether they stay for a weekend, season or longer. Visit sunoutdoors.com to learn more. Sun Outdoors is a division of Sun Communities Inc., a publicly traded company which, as of September 30, 2021, owns, operates and has an interest in 584 developed manufactured home, RV and marina properties comprising over 155,900 developed sites and nearly 44,900 wet slips and dry storage spaces in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Sun Communities is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. suncommunities.com.
