The Trail Mix: June Crunch
SCOOP IN with Outdoor Afro as we celebrate Juneteenth, discover local tide pools and lead Black Music Month inspired hikes this month!
By Outdoor Afro Leadership Director Zoë Polk
Day Trip to Chattanooga Tennessee June 13
Healing Hike and History at Sweetwater Creek State Park with Sierra Club June 27
Bay Area, California
Hike Point Reyes and Celebrate African American National Park Weekend June 6
Explore the Tide Pools at Fitzgerald Marine State Reserve June 7
Visit Allensworth for their Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 12- 13
Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse! Or Other Natural Disaster with REI June 17
Sustainable BBQing and Hiking in Oakland June 20
Camping with REI in Del Valle Park June 27
Hike and Conversation with Ranger Betty Reid Soskin June 27
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Sunrise Hike and Birding at Indiana Dunes- West Beach June 6
Mt Whitney Training and Gear Prep June 7
Hike and Yoga on Miller Woods Trail June 13
Backpacking Basics Class with REI June 15
Sunday Fun Day Hike and Hill Challenge June 21
Nature On Tap at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum June 30
Los Angeles, CA
Heron Hike: Los Cerritos Wetlands Bird/Nature Walk June 6
Channel Islands Wildlife Cruise June 7
Visit Allensworth for their Annual Juneteenth Celebration June 13
Louisville, KY
Intro to Camping at the Juneteenth Festival! June 20
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Fathers Day Hike on Pike Island June 20
New York/ New Jersey
Black music Hike at Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park June 6
North Carolina
African Americans in the National Parks weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains NP June 5
Portland, Oregon
Hike (And Optional Yoga ) at Portland Audubon Society Sanctuary June 6
Nature Walk at-Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden & Reed Canyon June 13
Explore Stone House in Forest Park June 20
Phoenix, AZ
Morning at Riparian Preserve June 7
Nature and Photography Hike at Pivot Rock Canyon June 20
Discover Mesa Urban Garden - Gong & Yoga June 24
Richmond, VA
Explore Shenandoah National Park June 6
Learn Camping Basics with REI June 11
Seattle, Washington
Family Entourage to Franklin Falls - African-American National Park Event! June 6
Outdoor Afro After Work: Seahurst Park Hike June 12
St Louis, Missouri
Moderate Hike/Potluck in Castlewood State Park June 28
South Carolina
Hike in a Maritime Forest and View Sweeping Vistas of the Salt March at Palmetto Trail June 6
Veggie Fest with African American Farmers at Freewoods Farm June 7
Soul by the Sea (Funky Friday on Folly) June 26
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Dragonfly Spotting at Huntley Meadows Park June 13
Freedom Field Day on Harriet Tubman's Ancestral Land June 14
Yoga at Cedar Hill Frederick Douglass National Historic Site June 16
Paddling on the Anacostia River June 20
Family Biking at Lake Artemesia Natural Area June 27
Outdoor Afro Leaders Around the Country Invite You and Your Family to Join Us in Nature!
#FindYourPark, Find Our History: A Collective Call to Action from Outdoor Afro
by Outdoor Afro Leadership Director, Zoë Polk
LET'S read the placards overlooking the Suisun Bay at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and be critical of words like “mutiny” and “riots.”
LET'S dig our hands in the earth at George Washington Carver National Monument and as we gaze upon his childhood home, remember that our sprouts require fresh clean water, healthy nourishment and deliberate attention in order to survive and thrive.
LET'S look for Mother Harriet in nature, not the statutes and structures, at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park and remember that she used the land, water, and sky to get free.
LET'S visit the Pullman National Monument and remember the relevance of A. Phillip Randolph’s words “Justice is never given; it is exacted and the struggle must be continuous for freedom is never a final fact, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher levels of human, social, economic, political and religious relationship.”
LET'S feel at home at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and as we scan the titles of the books in Douglass’ personal library, remember to fill our shelves with our history and herstory.
LET'S take in the majesty of the waterfalls in Yosemite National Park and hold gratitude in our hearts for the Buffalo Soldiers.
LET'S stop by the Black Voices Museum during our hike up to Storer College at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and listen closely for the voices of the 1896 Colored Women’s League, Jazz musician Don Redman, W.E.B. DuBois, and the Niagara Movement.
LET'S notice each of the bricks in the structures of the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and remember that they were crafted and stacked by our ancestors. And LET'S remember to build.
LET'S bring our binoculars to the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site and spot our history on the wings of Red Tailed Hawks in the sky.
LET'S embrace the trees at the African Burial Ground National Monument.
LET'S walk through the National Mall and remember African Americans have always used the outdoors to galvanize and to empower.
LET'S bring our families to the Booker T. Washington National Monument and visualize his mother Jane and her children in that one room kitchen cabin, and remember our homes are our witnesses to our joy, our lessons, and our familial bonds.
LET'S hike the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and remember that our bodies’ movement has always had a place in The Movement.
LET'S discover the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and remember that racial justice activists have always been parents, teachers and children.
LET'S open the front doors of the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site and hear her voice as we read her words engraved on her statute in Lincoln Park:
“I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you a respect for the use of power. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity. I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow men. I leave you a responsibility to our young people.”
LET'S hike along the Black Heritage Trail at the Boston African American National Historic Site and vow to be Revolutionary.
Do you know the African American history in your local national park? Join Outdoor Afro in healing from and being inspired by black history in the outdoors.
Spotlight: Outdoor Afro Richmond!
Meet Deidre "Dee" Bryant. Mother, Wife, Traveler, Adventure Seeker and Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader. Located in Richmond, Virginia, Dee and her local Outdoor Afro community have ice skated, hiked, kayaked in some of Virginia's most beautiful places.
Dee recently shared some her highlights from 2014, her goals for 2015 and some tips on how to incorporate a wine pairings with a hike.
Why did you apply to be a leader?
I love being outside and I am a bit of an adventure junkie, so I applied to Outdoor Afro to be more intentional about the role of nature and adventure in my life. Being on the Leadership Team pushes me to stay active and come up with interesting activities to share with other people.
What has been your favorite adventure with Outdoor Afro Richmond?
So far my favorite event has been the trip to the Westmoreland Berry Farm and Winery Tour. This trip had a good turnout and it brought out different people. During the trip, people got a chance to hike and enjoy the heavily wooded trail, wonderful wooden bridge, abundant wildlife and beautiful streams. We also had a picnic and then enjoyed a wine tasting at a nearby winery.
What did you learn from Outdoor Afro in your first year?
I learned that there are many like-minded black people that enjoy being outside and have similar experiences in nature. Many people invited to reconnect with their childhood memories through coming out to an Outdoor Afro event.
What have you learned about your state and your Outdoor Afro community?
Virginia has so many open spaces to visit and Outdoor Afro allows me to share the beauty of this area with other people, whether they are native Virginians or transplants. The mission of Outdoor Afro really resonates with people and they are excited to find a community of people that look like them and enjoy doing some of the same things that they like to do. I receive a lot of interest whenever I publicize an event, so it lets me know that I am on target in terms of planning events that a wide range of people will enjoy.
Have you learned anything about yourself?
I realized that I am good at organizing and finding events that appeal to a wide range of people. Being an Outdoor Afro Leader has pushed me to be more active and challenge myself physically. At the end of the day, after the event is over, I feel just as rewarded as members do and I love that.
What excites you most about returning to the Leadership Team in 2015?
I feel like I haven’t done everything that I wanted to accomplish and that I had more adventures left. I am excited to continue to grow the Outdoor Afro Richmond community and reach more local Outdoor Afros. I’m also excited that our team has grown, including expanding to new regions including Northern Virginia, South Carolina. I’m definitely interested in collaborating on regional activities with other leaders.
What events are you planning for 2015?
I’m just getting started, very excited about learning new things and partnering with REI and other Outdoor Afro leaders for events. I’m planning a camping trip and am going to participate in African American National Parks Day on June 6. I’m also looking forward to organizing hikes in parks that are new to me and to our members. I’ll also repeat some of our most popular events such as the winery tour and the history walk.
Traveling to the Richmond, VA Area? Connect with Outdoor Afro Richmond to join their next adventure!
#OutdoorAfroEarthDay
by Outdoor Afro Atlanta Leader Stefan Moss
I have a complicated relationship with Earth Day.
Although I have always valued the opportunity to celebrate our beloved planet, I have also been very aware of who the traditional movers, shakers, and “leaders” of the modern environmental movement were. As an environmental science major, my passion for stewardship was birthed from my experience growing up in the islands where the outdoors were a part of life. While in school, attending the required conferences, seminars, and Earth Day activities I’d often wonder, where are all the people that look like me and love the environment? What were they doing? Why can’t I find them? As I traveled throughout the US, I slowly realized that I was certainly not alone in my appreciation; I was just not always looking in the right places.
It’s clear that humanity’s love of nature is expressed in a myriad of ways. Grilling in the backyard on a Sunday afternoon with friends is just as much of an experience in the outdoors as hiking a mountain or camping in the woods. My fondest memories of being in nature were the days I spent as a kid soaking up the sun, while playing beach volleyball. Between games I would sit at the shore and marvel at the seashells with their intricate designs and wonder how they were formed.
Now that I’m a father, I’m trying to ignite that same sense of awe in my kids, by making sure they experience nature in a way that inspires them. Every cultural tradition that incorporates the outdoors is important, and as we share in and pass on those traditions we enrich our own lives, and hopefully gain a deeper appreciation of the natural systems that allow us as humans to exist on this planet. Many of these traditions, particularly in the black community, are often not formalized or promoted as an event, but are simply part and parcel of a lifestyle that values consistent connections with nature. Despite this, our experiences in the outdoors remain rich, vibrant, varied, and colorful.
Earth Day has become a global phenomenon because it has the unlimited potential to bring humanity together for a common purpose and goal. I choose to celebrate it each year because I understand that unification is central to our ability to solve environmental challenges. As April 22nd approaches, you can get in the outdoors and celebrate your personal connection to the “blue marble” by joining Outdoor Afro all across the country in organized activities like visiting a state or national park, planting trees, assisting in community cleanups, and so much more
What is your Earth Day family tradition? Join the conversation at #outdoorafroearthday
Whole Foods Oakland to Share Nickels for Non-Profits with Outdoor Afro!
Oakland headquartered Outdoor Afro is proud to announce a new partnership with its local Whole Foods, as a Nickels for Non-Profits recipient!
Beginning this April 13th through July 5th, tell your cashier you want to pass on your .05 reusable bag credit to Outdoor Afro!
Funds raised will be used to expand our successful peer-leadership program that helps thousands of local residents of all ages reconnect to nature through a variety of activities that support healthy living, community, and fun!
Giving to Outdoor Afro, while buying delicious food and doing right by the planet, has never been easier!
Read more about this amazing community benefit program!
Thanks Whole Foods Oakland!
Rejoice and Venture Outdoors with the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Rejoice and Venture Outdoors with the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Outdoor Artists, Wilderness Yogis, and Life Aquatics Unite to Build Community and Reconnect Black People to Nature
Outdoor Afro is so proud to announce the selection of our fourth Leadership Team. After receiving more than 50 applications from across the country, we’ve chosen a diverse group of 18 leaders from 13 states to bring our team to 30! This 2015 class will enrich our team and the lives of Outdoor Afros all over the U.S. with their experiences in foraging, snowboarding, farming, “creek stomping,” tree hugging, National Park fandom, stargazing and leading outdoor yoga exercises.
Last year, Outdoor Afro’s 15-member leadership got outdoors and built community with 3,000 Black people around the country. In 2015, with increased representation in Southwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest and Southern United States, we anticipate re-connecting even more African Americans with nature.
As outdoor enthusiasts, community organizers, and health and wellness advocates, these leaders will continue the success of the previous three classes of Outdoor Afro Leadership. Each Leader will create and guide monthly trips, leverage social media and collaborate with local, relevant environmental organizations to deepen connections with the outdoors.
We deeply invest in our leaders through our annual in person training. In April, our team will gather at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia to deepen relationships with each other and build on existing expertise.
Leaders will affirm Outdoor Afro values through a curriculum that includes trip planning, the health impacts of nature, conservation ethics, risk management, and effective social media engagement. Moreover, leaders will strategize with leading outdoor industry brands, such as REI, KEEN Footwear, Klean Kanteen, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation – California, The Kapor Center for Social Impact, Campion Foundation - and more!
Now Presenting the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team:
| City/Region | Name of OALT Leader | Areas of Expertise | |
| Atlanta, GA | Tamara Johnson | Wildlife Biologist, Aquatic Surveyor, Tree Hugger |
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| Stefan Moss | Professor, Environmental Educator, Father, Caribbean Barbecuer, Second Year Returning Leader |
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| Wandi Steward | Business Development Manager, Kayaker, Mountain Biker |
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| Bay Area, CA | Clayton Anderson | Nature Nerd, Backpacker, Ecologist, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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| Zoë Polk | Outdoor Afro Leadership Director, Attorney, Swimmer, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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| Cliff Sorrell | Architect, Map and Compass Expert, Father, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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| Nina Thiebert | College Student, Bike Rider, Tidepooler |
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| Baltimore, MD | Brittany Leavitt | Interactive Teacher, Photographer, Yogi |
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| Santa Cruz, CA | Valerie Miranda | Art Entrepreneur, Hiker, Beginning Forager, Mother |
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Viva Yeboah | Accountant, Auditor, Outdoor Inspirationalist, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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| Charleston, South Carolina | Adrienne Troy-Frazier | Executive Director, Kayaker, Ocean Enthusiast |
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| Durham, NC | Beky Branagan | Girl Scout leader, Environmental Educator, Outdoor Cuisine Expert, Fourth Year Returning Leader |
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| Chris Clarke | Animal Scientist, Father, Fisherman |
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| Gary, Indiana | Yolanda Crocker-Bradley | Licensed Practical Nurse, Mother, Runner, Yogi |
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| Los Angeles, CA | Vicki Allen | Higher Education Professional, National Park Enthusiast, Camper |
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| Louisville, KY | SteVon Edwards | Community Health Specialist, Adventure Seeker, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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| Minneapolis, MN | Josh Garubanda | Paramedic, REI Outdoor School Educator, Kayaker, Canoer, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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| Newark, New Jersey | Kelly Thomas | Theatre Artist, Cultural Organizer, Educator |
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| New York City | Allison Guess | PhD student focusing on critical black geography, Urban Guerilla Gardener, African-diasporic dancer |
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| Phoenix, AZ | Angela Fears | Tai Chi & BreathWork Facilitator, Wellness Coach, Wilderness Yogi |
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| Portland, Oregon | Pamela Slaughter | Investigator, Enthusiastic Hiker, Nature Walker Mother |
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| Richmond, VA | Deirdre Bryant | Community Health Professional, Kayaker, Hiker, Mother, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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| Tahoma, Washington | Paulette Peterson | Outreach Director, Gardener, Plant Identifier, Mother |
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| Seattle, Washington | Matt Reese |
Real Estate appraiser, S
nowboarder, Father, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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| St. Louis, MO | Duane Williams | Network Adminstrator, Hiker, Rocks his own Afro |
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| Washington DC | Tavia Benjamin | Program Coordinator, Farm and Garden Educator, Creek Stomper |
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| Yvonne Jones | Early & Middle Childhood Specialist, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Camping Enthusiast |
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| Autumn Saxton-Ross | Program Director for the Joint Center’s Health Policy Institute, Green Space Advocate, Mother, Kansas City Sports Fan, Second Year Outdoor Afro Leader |
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| Charles Taylor | Health Educator , Outdoor Recreational Enthusiast, Snowboarder |
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| Akisha Mackritis | Literacy Teacher, Gardener, Mother |
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We are truly uplifted by all of enthusiasm you showed for the recruitment of 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team and appreciate all the ways that you have engaged with us. We can't wait to share in adventure and community with you
Interested in Investing in the Next Generation of Outdoor Afro Leadership?
Click Here to join Outdoor Afro's March Matchtness Campaign!
Join Outdoor Afro March Match-ness!
Make a Slam Dunk for
Outdoor Afro!
We are over the moon to announce that we have a challenge grant from two generous donors.
They have pledged together to match your giving for Outdoor Afro dollar for dollar up to $10,000 starting this week!
Funds will be used to provide training and support for our Outdoor Afro leadership program that helps thousands of people around the country connect to nature each year!
Click to make your tax-deductible donation TODAY, and check for updates on our Facebook page to follow our progress!
Thank you!
Rue Mapp
Founder and CEO
A Proud Preservation: The Pullman Porters Role in Creating Chicago's First National Park
By Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Chicago
"Salvation for a race, nation or class must come from within. Freedom is never granted; it is won. Justice is never given; it is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races, and the struggle must be continuous, for freedom is never a final act, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher levels of human, social, economic, political, and religious relationships." --- A. Philip Randolph, Founding President of The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Civil Rights Activist
On February 19th, President Obama signed a proclamation designating three new sites: Chicago Pullman District, Honouliuli Internment Camp and Colorado Browns Canyon as national parks and monuments. For Outdoor Afro and especially Outdoor Afro Chicago this is a big celebration!
For years community leaders have pushed to make Pullman a national park, achieving Chicago Landmark District and National Historic Landmark designations along the way. Preserving Pullman's dynamic history ensures the legacy is passed to future generations.
The Pullman neighborhood was the first industrial town in the US and has a powerful history of labor movements. In the late 1800s, newly freed African-Americans migrated to Chicago for job opportunities with the Pullman Rail Car Company as porters, servants and maids. This employment stimulated the development of Chicago's vibrate African-American middle class community. Though their jobs were glamorized, employees were mistreated, paid low wages and worked long hours. Understanding the need to protect their rights, one of the first African-American labor unions, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was formed. In 1937, the union won a historic labor agreement, ensuring increase wages and gained charter from the American Federation of Labor.
Decades later, Pullman is still a neighborhood with residents committed to community. Throughout the county, investments are being made into outdoor recreation, conservation and stewardship; from the growth in urban farming, the Millennium plan by Forest Preserve of Cook County, to the investments in restoration and stewardship projects in the Calumet region. The Pullman District becoming a national park is now the highlight of many things currently taking place in Chicago. National monument status assists in protecting areas and growth in local economies. Chicago philanthropists raised close to $8 million in supporting community led efforts to make Pullman District a national monument. With these investments, communities will hope to see employment opportunities, increase in tourism, growth in local businesses and property value increases.
National parks and monuments provide the full circle experience where we connect to our history, nature and each other. What has fascinated me are the stories of migration and resistance. I have lived in Chicago for several years. I grew up in metro Atlanta and my parents are Ghanaian. Listening and reading migration stories gives light to the historical movement of humans. We move for better opportunities, safety, desire to redefine oneself, growth, resources and much more. The Pullman District provides many of these stories.Outdoor Afro Chicago is looking forward to sharing the vast stories and experiences of the Pullman District through community rides, bird watching, neighborhood tours and other activities.
Visit National Pullman Porter museum, http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com, and Pullman Historical society, pullmanil.org for more information. Also read a great interview with Sherry Williams of Bronzeville Historical Society on their efforts of preserving Pullman district black history, goo.gl/r5MpkC.
Join Outdoor Afro Chicago meetup for upcoming events: meetup.com/Outdoor-Afro-Chicago
Celebrate Black History Month with Outdoor Afro
Join us in living and remembering Black History this February and every month of the year
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
On Saturday February 7, 2015 Outdoor Afro Richmond Virginia hosted a “Healing Hike" in York River State Park. This hike was part of Outdoor Afro’s nationwide campaign to engage as a community in solidarity activities with Ferguson and New York City. It is in the same spirit as similar Outdoor Afro events in Seattle, Chicago, Louisville, Washington DC, and Oakland, CA. And it honored our belief that nature is just as important to our living history as it is to our past.
Every February, Black History is commemorated and celebrated in schools, churches, political speeches, and art exhibitions. During this month, we sing louder and dance harder to the music of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, and Sista Monica Parker. We reread speeches and biographies of political heroes including Bayard Rustin, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, A. Phillip Randolph, and Fannie Lou Hamer. And we contemplate the living history embodied in Barack and Michelle Obama, Janet Mock, Serena Williams, and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. We also head outside to honor Black Americans who used the outdoors to break barriers including Harriet Tubman, "hikers" in the Selma to Montgomery March, Expedition Denali, and the 25th Infantry U.S. Army Black Bicycle Corps .
Since we were founded, Outdoor Afro has inspired nature lovers, kayakers, climbers, campers, fishermen and women, and picnickers to use every day in nature as a time to contemplate the accomplishments and relevance of Black History, and 2015 is no different. In January, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles headed to the Santa Monica Mountains to hike to a waterfall in Soulstice Canyon and visit the ruins of a home designed by renown African-American architect Paul Williams.
This February, we are issuing a special invitation for you to join us on Black history month inspired events around the country:
February 14, 2015
Outdoor Afro Washington DC will gather at the Fredrick Douglas National Historic to celebrate the abolitionist's 197th birthday. They’ll participate in day long activities including walking tours of Fredrick Douglas’ house and historic Anacostia neighborhood.
Outdoor Afro Chicago will grab their snowboards and alpine skis and "get their Andre Horton and Bonnie St. John on" at Devils Head Resort.
February 15, 2015
Outdoor Afro Bay Area will gather in the Presidio of California for a four-mile hike and history lesson Buffalo Soldiers’ roots in San Francisco.
February 21, 2015
Join 50 members of the Outdoor Afro Los Angeles team as they create their own history hiking Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail.
February 22, 2015
Outdoor Afro Louisville will do an urban hike along the Chickasaw Heritage trail and learn about the Chicksaw Park’s important role in the de-segregation of Kentucky’s parks. Due to inclement weather this event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Outdoor Afro Bay Area will do hike along San Francisco's coast to the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, they will picnic on the beach and discuss the local influence of poet Maya Angelou, civil rights hero John Harris, and black whaling boat Captain William P. Shorey.
February 28, 2015
Outdoor Afro North Carolina will visit historic Stagville. They will see the remnants of one of the largest plantations in the pre-Civil War South and hike on trails named for the enslaved Black Americans who used to live there.
Outdoor Afro Minneapolis will lace up their skates and learn the history of the Colored Hockey League.
Outdoor Afro Seattle will convene at Seward Park for a day of food and fellowship in nature.
Don't see an event near you? Tweet/facebook/instagram photos of you enjoying Black History Month in nature using hashtag #outdoorafro. And stay tuned for some exciting news about our expansion of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
