Hiking with Rue Mapp, Founder of Outdoor Afro
It's Alisha, leader of Outdoor Afro Los Angeles. This last weekend we were honored to have Rue Mapp the founder of Outdoor Afro join us for the weekend of events. We started with hiking Kenneth Hahn Park in Baldwin hills. Here's a view from the top.
We stayed along the new path that newly opened and we were able to see the runners, hikers, kids and parents alike enjoy the new space. Along the trail there's exercise machines, trees, a butterfly garden and of course traffic. After all this is LA.
We hiked over 2 miles and on the steepest incline our youngest Outdoor Afro hitched a ride.
This was great hike that local mad convenient to get to. We'd love to have you join us our our next adventure. We are going to start doing more fitness based outings to capture our LA folks attention.
A Hike to Honor our Heroes
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
At Outdoor Afro, we always take the opportunity to turn a day off into a "day out;" that is- a time to join together with our community in nature. This Veterans Day was a particularly unique day out for us because we set our intention to honor the heroes of Port Chicago and all of the African American veterans in our lives. Through a reflective and brisk autumn hike to the summit Mount Wanda on John Muir Historic Site, we valued our journey together just as much as the historic overlook offered at the destination.
Before we began our hike, we gathered in a gratitude circle and went around calling out the individuals in history and in our families who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We learned that some of us descended from generations of military veterans. We were also honored when members shared about their own service in the armed forces. And Outdoor Afros reflected on veterans in African American history, including the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airman, and the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry of the Civil War. By speaking these names, we remembered that we are connected by more than just our collective love of nature.
On the way to the top we used all five of our senses to fully experience all that the trail had to offer. All around us we saw beautiful views of fall foliage and dried grass which reminded us why California is called the Golden State. We heard the sounds of Turkey Vultures and Steller's Jay. When we breathed deeply through our noses, we took in the savory scent of California Bay Trees. With each step in our Keens on the dusty trail and every encouraging hand on the shoulder, we used our sense of touch to make our way up a heart pumping ascent. When we needed that extra burst of energy, we snacked on clif bars, for a delicious taste of chocolate peanut butter, blueberry crisp, and mojo trail mix, washing them down with cool water from our Klean Kanteens.
When we arrived at the summit, we looked out at the Suisun Bay for a glimpse of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. There we paused again to honor the African American navy men of the Port Chicago explosion.
Reading from The Port Chicago Mutiny by Robert Allen, we learned that during World War II, Port Chicago was a segregated naval munitions base. Black Navy men were required to load ammunition onto ships bound for the South Pacific under the watch of their white officers which was an incredibly dangerous and physically challenging task. 
On July 17, 1944, an explosion rocked the base, killing 320 men 202 of whom were black ammunition loaders. Following the devastating explosion, white officers were given leave time and commended for heroic efforts, whereas 328 of the surviving black enlistees were sent to load ammunition on another ship. When they refused, fifty men were singled out and charged and convicted of mutiny. It was the largest mutiny trial in U.S. naval history.
We also learned that Thurgood Marshall, special counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and future Supreme Court Justice, worked on the public relations campaign and appeal. However, to this day the convictions remain in place.
Now approaching the 70th year anniversary of the explosion, local efforts continue to exonerate these men. Outdoor Afro will keep honoring the heroes of Port Chicago through speaking their names and sharing their story with each other and our youth.
Under the beautiful sunny sky, we made our way back down Mt. Wanda and engaged in conversations about history learned and relearned. And about the role nature can play honoring that history. As one Outdoor Afro remarked, "It's one thing to hike up a big hill, but its a completely different experience to hike up there and look out on our history."
Join us on our next adventure- we promise all five senses will be used and unforgettable memories will be made!
Big Bird in the River
By Outdoor Afro Leader Clay Anderson
Last weekend, ten Outdoor Afros felt the tug to expand their horizons, enhance their awareness, and find inspiration.
Thousands of Sandhill cranes, ducks, geese, and wading birds felt the urge to avoid the cold, find something to eat, and educate their progeny.
The Cosumnes River Preserve consists of 46,000 acres of river bottom, floodplain forest, oak woodland, annual grassland, rare freshwater marshes and vernal pools. Cosumnes is a Miwok (native-american) word meaning "people of the salmon'. All the little seeps, creeks and rivulets dovetail into the great Cosumnes river, which is in turn part of an even larger drainage system: the California delta.
And just like all the creeks and rivers, the Outdoor Afros and hundreds of other birdwatchers coalesced at Cosumnes and Woodbridge Preserves to experience the cranes coming in to roost. As the sun set and blazed the darkening blue sky with fire red clouds, the silhouette of cranes trumpeted their graceful landings, long legs touching down on flooded fields to make their stand for the evening.
Outdoor Afros and fellow nature-loving-friends' pupils pierced prisms with cameras-a-clicking. Together we stood in a developing awareness that all of our fellow animals need a safe place to rest, live, and prosper.
Saturday Stewards Say "It IS Easy Being Green!"
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
Outdoor Afros were spotted on Saturday on San Francisco's Mt. Sutro doing trail maintenance and habitat restoration!
We were happy to join our partner REI and 500 other volunteers for the Ridge Trail Service Day, especially since Mt. Sutro is natural space that we cherish and have visited many times before.
Just like the Buffalo Soldiers did for us, Outdoor Afros will continue to practice good stewardship by sustaining the natural environment and resources in our local parks and wild spaces.
Join us on our next adventure outdoors!
Chicago Afros Ain't Scared of Rain: Fall Camping Adventure
By: Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Leader, Chicago
Recently, Outdoor Afro Chicago went on a fall overnight camping trip to Kankakee River State Park. Our group included a total of 16 members of all ages, background and with various camping experience. The 4,000 acre state park is about an hour south of Chicago and offers plenty of activities year around including camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, horseback riding, biking and hiking.
In preparation for our trip, we held a pre-camping potluck meeting at REI Lincoln Park community room. We enjoyed food and beverages while discussing our itinerary, answered questions and addressed any concerns. Additionally, if members were in need of camping gear or equipment, REI rental department provided members with guidance on what was available to rent and cost of rental.
Now of course with any trip, you can plan your best, but you won’t be prepared for everything. On Wednesday, we started monitoring the weather for expected severe storms over the weekend. Since weather forecast are not 100%, we agreed on Friday to go ahead with our trip. Everyone was notified to be prepared including bringing rain gear. By Saturday morning weather predictions had changed for the best. Precipitation continued to decrease and the storm prediction push back from morning to early evening.
Another bump in our trip, was the mix up with our campsite. A boy scout troop checked in late Friday evening and chose to take our site rather than their reserved site. Our original site was close to parking, water, electricity and toilets. Not only those great amenities but the set up of the site was beautiful. It provided enough space and privacy from other groups. We were able to claim a unreserved site similar in size to our reserved site. The site was much closer to the river and a bit further away from amenities. In return for the mix up, the troop assisted us in moving our gears, equipments, and other camping items to the site.
Saturday evening sky
For the most part our campsite was fully set up before the rain arrived. A few members had to set up their tents in the rain or waited for it to pass.
Campsite
Tents in preparation for rain
Our itinerary included canoeing, hiking, horseback riding and communal meals. Check out the Saturday morning canoeing crew below. We held a potluck dinner for Saturday and once the rain slowed down we had the campfire going. S’mores, games, great conversations and music (some Steppers, House and Reggae mixes)!
Saturday Canoers
Saturday evening campfire
Spades game!
S'mores!
Even though we moved to another site, the bonus was being closer to the river. Sunday morning, provided the chance to capture the beauty of the river. We enjoyed communal breakfast, campfire, music and more discussions. Since this was our check out day, it was hard to fit in our remaining two activities (hiking and horseback riding) and also pack. However, we were able to complete a one hour hike but held off on horseback riding.
Sunday morning
Our trip was awesome. The rain did not deter us from camping; I think it only challenged us more and added more excitement to our trip. The campground and facilities were in good condition. The best part of our trip was everyone's contribution to making it happen. Members contributed equipment, gear, food, their time and effort for all of us to enjoy the camping experience. Even those unable to attend made major contributions. We look forward to the next camping trip.
More camping pictures and upcoming events at Outdoor Afro Chicago meetup group: http://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Afro-Chicago/
Sharing S'mores, Stories and Songs around the Campfire!
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
“When we tell stories, especially personal stories where we open ourselves up to whoever is listening, there is often for the listener a value to be learned, or encouragement to be gained, knowing that others before them have conquered fears and challenges similar to their own. For some, the right story at the right time will enrich their day, and even make the world a little better place. That's why I really love to tell stories.”- Diane Ferlatte, Oakland based, Award Winning International Storyteller
Throughout history, African Americans have congregated around fires to seek warmth, break bread, and bask in fellowship. On a crisp autumn evening, Outdoor Afro reconnected with these traditions in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Located just above the rocky cliffs at the mouth of the Golden Gate, the Rob Hill Campground is the perfect place to gather for Fall festivity.
Kicking off our evening together, National Park Service Rangers (and Outdoor Afros) Frederik “Rik” Penn and Kelli English welcomed us to the fire circle and rooted our evening with a black history lesson. Ranger Rik reminded us that African Americans have long had ties to the Presidio, including the Buffalo Soldiers, 
who were stationed there in 1902. Through his fascinating tales of the Buffalo Soldiers as well his own adventures as a soldier stationed in the Presidio, Ranger Rik connected us all to the land we stood on.
After the warm welcome from Ranger Kelli and Ranger Rik, Outdoor Afros got down to the business at hand: showing off s’more making skills! Outdoor Afros chose their roasting stick, popped on marshmallow and sought out the perfect spot in the flames. While most of us were experts in this craft, we also enjoyed a few laughs at the casualties: marshmallows dropped into the fire or burned to an unappetizing crisp. In between delicious bites of chocolate, gooey, crunchy goodness,
we warmed ourselves with hot apple cider from Rainbow Orchards, a local apple farm.
While heating ourselves by the fire and with our steaming cups, Outdoor Afros were encouraged to introduce themselves to new friends and tell stories of their relationships with nature.
We bonded over our love for hiking, camping, birding and hitting the beach. And we rejoiced in recalling that some of our first connections with nature involved childhood chores. Often those tasks were forgotten as we got lost in our outdoor explorations.
With our bellies full, our hands sufficiently sticky, and our hearts full of laughter and our own shared stories, we gathered close for a special presentation from Oakland based, award winning, international storyteller, Diane Ferlatte. Enthralling us with narratives about of Harriet Tubman and clever sharecroppers, Mrs. Ferlatte was the heartwarming highlight of our evening together.
In between our laughter and listening, we joined Mrs. Ferlatte in song. Once she taught us the lyrics, she lead us in a musical call and response. Interweaving the songs with stories, Mrs. Ferlatte also discussed the historical importance of storytelling in African American history, particularly the narratives about Brer Rabbit. According to Mrs. Ferlatte, these tales were told by the slaves in the American South and were brought to rousing and joyful life through music and song. Telling these tales gave the slaves hope and faith that they too could survive and persevere in the face of their troubles just like Brer Rabbit. After telling us the story of Brer Rabbit’s friendship with Brer Possum and their triumph over Brer Snake, she reminded us that each of these stories had an important moral. And we at Outdoor Afro delighted in the reminder that African Americans have long depended on nature and wildlife for life lessons as well as entertainment.
As the sky darkened and the thick fog rolled in, the event became festively spooky and we reluctantly ended our evening together. However, as we descended down from the fire circle, the shining light from the songs, the stories and the s’mores guided us home.
Outdoor Afro would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Ferlatte for joining us and making this event so memorable. For more information on Mrs. Ferlatte, including booking information, please visit www.dianeferlatte.com.
Outdoor Afro would also thank Camping at the Presidio Program, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Northface, REI and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for all of their unique support of this event.
This event was supported by Poets &Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from The James Irvine Foundation.
Hope to see YOU at our next event!
Bicycling the Underground Railroad
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer..." - Harriet Tubman
This morning we were delighted to receive a message from Erick Cedeño, who said, "I traveled back to the 1800's from New Orleans, LA to Niagara Falls, NY...along the Underground Railroad by bicycle to become an eyewitness to history and follow the footsteps of the Freedom fighters."
Erick is a fine example of how it is possible to find connection with community, the past, and most importantly, yourself through nature.
Click to learn more about his journey and what motivated him:
Field Report: NAAEE 2013 Conference in Baltimore, Maryland
Hello, my name is Morgan Powell of Bronx River Sankofa. Here are some memories I’ve brought home from the 42nd annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education. It was certainly one of the most ethnically diverse in NAAEE history thanks to vigorous and sustained efforts. Keep on pushing for a green movement that looks like America!
Circular Dialogue
Akiima Price scheduled a wonderful day of activities for us. This picture of some of us around a table captures our Community Environmental Education (EE) Workshop.
Rich discussion was everywhere inside and out of formal sessions as with emerging food scientist Milton Newberry (NJ) of Florida U. I also learned from Tanya Fields (The Blk Projek), Dennis Chestnut (Groundwork Anacostia), Nicole Jackson (The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden), Jose Marcos-Iga (Environmental Education Exchange), Latriece Brown (Greening Youth), Nilka Martell (G.I.V.E.), Andrew Brazington (Chester Environmental Partnership) and many others from every region of our country.
Touring Baltimore
This New Yorker chose to bypass the free Charm City Circular which connects many center city attractions. Except for the cab I took to the Great Blacks in Wax Museum , I walked to and from the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture where I learned about oystering, iron-working and farming in sandy soils before exploring the Walters Museum and much more. All conference participants were extended reduced admission to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The Community EE Fellowship Field Trip began at Jubilee Arts Center, continued to Whitelock Community Farm, included commentary by Antonio Carpenter of www.metaro777.com who leads tours of old growth forested Baltimore parks and concluded with an environmental justice tour by Glen Ross.
Making New Friends
I feel honored to have met Bobby Wilson of the Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, James McGirt of Project Learning Tree in D.C., Marta Campo (NY) of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, C. Parker McMullen-Bushman of the Marine Science Consortium (VA), Charice Bourdeaux of Utah Bike Month, Park Ranger Nick Clemons (MD) at the Assateague Island National Seashore, Veronica Kyle (IL) of Faith in Place, Marcos Trinidad (CA) of Audubon Youth Environmental Stewards, Juan Reynosa (NM) of the SouthWest Organizing Project, Elizabeth Babalola (NJ) who is studying at Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies among too many others to name!
Making Ourselves at Home on The Home Front
By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
An Outdoor Afro-Guided Tour of African American Women’s History in Richmond
As the last bit of sun disappeared along the horizon of the San Francisco Bay, Outdoor Afros gathered for a final check in of our hike of the Marina Bay Trail in Richmond, California. Going around the circle, we marveled at the African American history ingrained in the land around us. And we agreed that the beautiful waterfront setting was an honorable tribute to the women we’d learned about on our hike. As a slight warm breeze encircled us, seeming like a final gasp of summer air, one Outdoor Afro summed up the experience with three simple words: “I feel free.”
As the federal government shutdown goes on, Outdoor Afro continues to explore ways to engage with our natural spaces. As we’ve mentioned in our previous post, connecting with nature through local and state parks is one of those ways. Established in 2000, the Rosie the Riveter /World War II Home Front National Historic Park is “partnership park,” wherein the City of Richmond owns the park land and buildings, and the National Park Service administers the programming. While, due to the shutdown, we did a self-guided tour, Outdoor Afro highly recommends visiting this important space when it is open. We are sure that you will treasure the lessons to be learned from Outdoor Afros and National Park Service Rangers Raphael Allen and Betty Soskin as much as we do.
When we began the hike, we were excited to find the trail markers which discussed the role of African Americans in shipbuilding, union organizing and civil rights activism during World War II. We learned about Frances Albrier who became the first African American woman to be hired at Shipyard Number 2 in Richmond.
Working as a welder, Ms. Albrier went on to become the first woman elected to Berkeley City Council and led a campaign hire black teachers in the city’s schools. The youngest Outdoor Afro in our group, Capone, told us that the Frances Albrier Community Center was located in San Pablo Park, one of his favorite parks in the city. We also learned about Charlotta Bass, civil rights activist and founder of The Eagle, one of the longest running African American newspapers in the West.
We spent the longest time at the trail marker that described the work of Anna Bland, Eastine Cowner, and Beatrice Turner. These African American women welders and scalers worked on the SS George Washington Carver (1943).
This trail marker has a memorable photo of African American actress Lena Horne joining Beatrice Turner at the launching of the liberty ship. The SS George Washington Carver was the second ship to be named for an African American. We couldn’t help but notice and comment on the smiles on the women’s faces as they worked, no doubt proud of the work they were doing and proud to be working on ship named for such an important figure (and Outdoor Afro of his time) in African American history.
Learning about African American history along the trail remains Outdoor Afro’s favorite way to hike. On the Marina Bay Trail, gazing out at the Bay and the beautiful views of Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate, we saw familiar sights through the eyes of our trailblazing ancestors. And we couldn’t help but think that this magnificent natural setting served as an inspiration to them in their daily hard work just as they serve as an inspiration to us. While we saw their smiling faces beautifully captured in the trail markers, we also looked out and saw them permanently embedded in the natural landscape. And we felt their spirits around us, like a warm summer breeze.
Join us on our next outdoor adventure!
5 Ways To Help You Survive National Park Closures
It's been a tough week for National Park fans and staff with all 401 units closed as a result of the government shutdown. Here are five tips below to help you get engaged and support the parks through this challenged time. Can you add any other ideas to the list?
1. Call or Write a Letter to Your Congressional Representative
Your voice and opinions matter to your elected officials, so write a letter or make a phone call to voice your support for our National Parks. It seems that some in congress have little clue about how their decision making impacts the parks and their staff, so let them know you want the parks open and fully staffed because they are essential. Alternately, send letters of praise to those representatives who demonstrate support for the parks.
2. Join a National Parks Advocacy Group
There are many groups at the forefront to advocate and raise funds for National Parks. Some include the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Foundation, as well as several other organizations made up of ordinary citizens who are dedicated to supporting National Parks around the country. These organizations welcome diverse voices, and are an excellent way to learn more about how to support National Parks year-round.
3. Stay Engaged with Nature via State and Local Parks
What has surfaced during the national park closure is that many people do not know that city, regional, and state parks remain open and fully staffed. Your local parks offer rich opportunities to engage with natural local history, and you can learn cool new things about nature, literally in your own back yard. Local and state parks can be a gateway to National Park experiences, and those places need your support and visitorship too!
4. Encourage Park Staff
Park staff, from the back office to the frontlines, face unplanned and devastating financial consequences as a result of the shutdown, with an added insult of being tinted as “non-essential” through a politicized lens. Use your social media networks to share what the National Parks mean to you, and how you appreciate the hardworking men and women who help preserve them.
5. Learn National Park History
As a family or community, have a movie night to watch the excellent PBS series on the National Parks by Ken Burns, National Parks: America’s Best Idea. It chronicles the fascinating history and intention behind the creation of the National Parks that adds insight into today’s Park challenges. Also, get a copy of Frank and Audrey Peterman’s book Legacy on the Land and view their website to whet your appetite for National Park stories, adventure, and more!
How are you coping with the National Park closure?