By Land and By Sea: Exploring Local Black History
This month, join Outdoor Afro as we dive into the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Swimming Pool, discover little known Black history in our neighborhoods, and board the Balclutha to learn about African American sailors' contributions to the 1920's Alaskan salmon industry.
Atlanta, Georgia
Learn to Swim February 6
Explore Martin Luther King National Historic Site February 13
Crystal River Manatee Festival February 19
Urban Hike in Auburn District February 27
Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum Walking Tour February 27
Bay Area, California
Reclaiming Nature: A Panel Discussion with Outdoor Afro and Urban Releaf February 3
Early Morning Cataract Falls Hike February 7
Orienteering at Sunol Regional Wilderness February 7
Snowshoe in Lassen Volcanic Park February 14
Gadget Geek Out with REI February 16
Emergency Preparedness with REI February 24
Black History Themed Urban Hike in San Francisco February 27
Charleston, South Carolina
Swimming Social at Martin Luther King Jr. Pool February 27
Walking Tour of Slann Island Plantation February 28
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Book Discussion "Black Faces, White Spaces" February 7
Hike the Miller Woods Trail February 7
Learn to Snowshoe with REI February 13
Los Angeles, CA
Discover the Hidden African American History of Los Angeles February 27
Louisville, KY
Black History Hike in Chickasaw Neighborhood February 20
New York/New Jersey
Black History Harlem Walking Tour February 28
North Carolina Triangle
Let's Hike the Bull! Urban Black History Hike in Downtown Durham February 27
Portland, Oregon
Hike the Inner Loop Trail at Tryon Creek State Park February 13
Explore Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area February 27
Phoenix, AZ
Healing Hike Sedona Red Rock Ceremony February 14
Richmond, VA
Birding with Richmond Audubon Society February 13
Learn about U.S. Colored Troops at Petersburg National Battlefield February 20
Seattle, Washington
In conversation with Dr. Carolyn Finney, author of "Black Faces, White Spaces" February 19
St Louis, Missouri
Guided Black History Hike in Washington State Park February February 19
Urban Hike to NW African American Museum February 20
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Fredrick Douglas 198th Birthday Celebration February 12
Explore Black History at Lucasville School and Ben Lomond Historic Sites February 13
Harpers Ferry Camp Hill Hike February 14
Appalachian Trail Hike February 27
Learn to Ski or Snowboard at Liberty Mountain Resort February 28
Do you know the stories behind historically Black beaches, parks, and recreation areas in your city? Is your street named after an Outdoor Afro in history? Have you hiked sections of the Underground Railroad? TELL US about the local Black History in your region!
December Trail Mix: Winter Wandering
Get in the mix as we go snowboarding, build community and a campfire in the mountains, and incorporate nature into our seasonal decorations.
Atlanta, Georgia
Birdwatching at Piedmont Park December 5
Hike Sweetwater Creek State Park December 12
Atlanta Beltline Bus Tour December 12
Holiday Campfire and Music in the Arabia Mountains December 13
Stargazing at the Arabia Mountains December 13
Tree Climbing at Panola Mountain State Park December 19
Bay Area, California
Choose and Cut Your Own Xmas Tree December 6
DIY: Holiday Wreathmaking Workshop December 12
Birding at Cosumnes River Preserve December 13
Santa Cruz Tide Pools and Migrating Monarchs December 20
Charleston, South Carolina
DIY Holiday Wreathmaking Class December 6
Choose and Cut Your Own Xmas Tree December 12
#HealthyHolidays Indigo Batik Dyeing Class December 13
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Urban Hike at Washington Park and visit to DuSable Museum of African American History December 6
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
OutdoorAfro Potluck Social December 5
New York/New Jersey
Nature Photography at Brooklyn Botanical Garden December 18
North Carolina Triangle
Easy Hike at Umstead State Park December 28
Portland, Oregon
Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Recruitment Info Session December 10
Phoenix, AZ
Desert Discovery: South Mountain Healing Hike December 6
Richmond, VA
Ice Skating with Blue Sky Fund December 5
St. Emma and Belmead Tour and Hike December 19
Seattle, Washington
Skiing and Snowboarding at Steven's Pass December 19 
St Louis, Missouri
Black Friday Hike in Castlewood State Park December 6
End of the Year Meet and Greet December 19
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Hike in Great Falls National Park December 19
Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Info Session December 20
2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team: Now Recruiting!
Connect to our Leadership Network and Create Relevant Outdoor Experiences for Yourself, Your Family and Your Community
Tell Us About You:
*Are you an outdoor enthusiast who wants to lead creative and accessible outdoor events?
*Are you invested in leveraging the outdoors to improve Black family health?
*Are you inspired by the Buffalo Soldiers, Benjamin Banneker, Harriet Tubman,George Washington Carver and Wangari Maathai?
*Do you want to connect to a nationally recognized network of Black Americans who share your love for the outdoors?
If these questions resonate with you, APPLY TODAY to join the 2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team (OALT).
About Us
We Build Community
Outdoor Afro Leaders are deeply connected to each other and their local communities. Your term on the OALT begins at the annual Outdoor Afro Leadership Training. Leaders affirm Outdoor Afro values through a curriculum created and lead by existing OALT members. You will learn about trip planning basics, the health impacts of nature, conservation ethics, risk management, and effective social media engagement. New and returning leaders share their strengths with each other and immediately apply learned skills at the training.
This year’s mandatory training will take place April 7-9, 2016 in Yosemite National Park, Yosemite, CA.
After the training, leaders remain engaged the OALT community by sharing successes, strategizing on national campaigns and co-leading events together.
We Narrate Our Storied Landscapes
The OALT was founded to empower everyday people to draw inspiration from Black history, art, music, and radicalism to become confident and skilled outdoor leaders. Our leaders create relationships between our communities and the outdoors by telling known, little known, and unknown stories about Black connections to public parks, watersheds and wilderness.
We recognize that stewardship is a part of the African American legacy.
We Change the Conversation
Since 2009, we have evolved to become one of the few authorities on Black American community engagement in the outdoors. We do not ask, “Where is the diversity in the outdoors?” Our starting place is that all Black people have a unique relationship with nature. Our leaders create accessible outdoors experiences in kayaks, with backpacks, around the fireplace, on skis, in the garden, at the city park, in the backcountry, at the vineyard, on the mountain, at the bbq pit, in the woods, under the moonlight and at the beach.
We Strengthen Skills
We restore outdoor leadership back to the home. Applicants don’t need to have formal outdoor experience. We help ordinary people, the accountant, the student, the lawyer, the teacher and the musician, equip themselves with knowledge and confidence to be able to create lasting and relevant outdoor experiences for their families and their communities, drawing on the lessons of our parents and our ancestors.
Our leaders become outdoors instructors, hometown heroes, trusted experts, sought after speakers, change makers , serve on the boards of leading environmental organizations, win recognition and awards from their local communities, and valued employees of national and regional park systems.
Here is what we require:
*Facilitate a minimum 1 Outdoor Afro sponsored event every month
*Participate in regular conference calls with other OA Leaders
*Develop two new Outdoor Afro Leadership Team ambassadors in your region
*Live within 50 miles of an REI store (preferred)
Leader perks include:
Select FREE premium gear and supplies from sponsors KEEN Shoes, REI, Klean Kanteen, and more!
Three day intensive training and unforgettable bonding with fellow Outdoor Afro Leaders in beautiful Yosemite National Park
Professional support, coaching, and outdoor skills development training
The ability to make a tangible and positive difference for your local community and the natural world
Apply now to join our diverse team from around the nation to bring the outdoors to more people in your community!
Next Steps to be Eligible for Consideration:
1. Familiarize yourself with Outdoor Afro. Join your local network and go on our next adventure. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Read our blog.
2. Complete the application—submit via email to [email protected] by Friday, January 8, 2016 and participate fully in the interview process via phone and video conference calls.
3. Interviews will take place from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm January 11–22, 2016. Interviews will be designated on a rolling basis. Due to the large volume of applications we receive, interview times will be assigned.
4. Save the Date for a mandatory in-person training from April 7–9, 2016 at Yosemite National Park (transportation not included).
5. The 2016 Class of Outdoor Afro Leaders will be confirmed and announced by February 12, 2016.
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you!
Trail Mix: Natural November
Get in the Mix as we run a 5k in the Redwoods, CampOut under the stars, Picnic on the Lake and #OptOutside
Atlanta, Georgia
Providence Canyon Campout, Hike and Star Gaze November 7
Hike at Black Rock Mountain State Park November November 14
Essential Camping Skills and Intro to Back County Cooking November 21
Bay Area, California
Volleyball at Memorial Crown State Beach November 1
Stories from Mount Whitney and Outdoor Afro Recruitment Info Session November 3
Potluck at Lake Merritt November 7
Veterans Day Hike in Honor of Port Chicago November 11
Trail Run with REI in Redwood Regional Park November 14
Autumn Hiking on Russian Ridge Open Preserve November 21
Hike on the Carquinez Bridge November 21
Charleston South Carolina
Autumn Night Walk at Beidler Forest November 21
Hike to the Sewee Native American Shell Ring November 28
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Meet and Greet at County Line Orchard November 1
Stories from Mount Whitney and Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Recruitment Info Session November 18
#OptOutside at Miller Woods November 27
Stewardship at Miller Woods November 28
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Leave No Trace Training November 6
Wilderness First Aid Training November 13
New York/New Jersey
Visit to African Burial Ground National Monument November 28
Stories from Mount Whitney and Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Recruitment Info Session November 30
North Carolina Triangle
Fall Foliage Hike at Kings Highway Park November 8
Portland, Oregon
REI Member Party November 2
Outdoor Afro Happy Hour and 2016 Planning Meeting November 12
Visit to Beautiful Oregon Garden in Silverton November 14
Phoenix, AZ
Healing Hike Lost Dog Wash Trail November 8
Healing Hike Sedona Red Rock Ceremony November 14
Richmond, VA
Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Kids in Parks Track Trails November 21
#OptOutside at R Garland Dodd Park November 28
Holiday Hearth Cooking Demonstration and Mansion Tour at Chippokes State Park November 29
Seattle, Washington
Learn to Ski and Snowboard Basics November 16
Seattle Outdoor Afro #OptOutside at Tumwater Falls November 27
St Louis, Missouri
Black Friday Hike in Castlewood State Park November 27
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Walking Tour: Arboretum and Grounds November 6
Hiker Biker Trail Ft. Dupont to Ft. Stanton November 7
Exploring the Night Sky at Rock Creek Park Nature Center November 7
Harpers Ferry Day Hike Maryland Heights November 14
Hiking 101: Winter Gear at REI November 20
Hike SugarLoaf Mountain November 27
Healthy Holidays: Incorporating the Outdoors into our Seasonal Celebrations
Join us in BEING INTENTIONAL about Black Family Health over the holidays!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year- a time when we gather at the ancestral lands of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, cook our favorite homemade foods, decorate our homes with greenery, fruits and fire, and sing of snow filled winters with our children.
In tribute to these traditions and in recognition of how a simple walk in the woods improves mental and physical health, Outdoor Afro invites you to join us in our Healthy Holidays campaign.
We hope you and your family will deepen your connections to nature and to each other by incorporating the outdoors into your holiday festivities:
*Hike around your neighborhood or a local trail on Halloween.
*Discover the Black History at your local National Park.
*Plan your summer camping or backpacking trip.
*Research ideas for your spring garden.
*Create your own holiday decorations.
*Reserve your family's summer campsite.
*Preserve fruits, jams, jellies, and other favorite foods in a family canning activity
*#OptOutside on Black Friday with REI.
*Explore your family's land and document its history.
*Cherish the laughter caused by sledding.
*Incorporate birding into your family snow shoe.
*Give gifts that inspire outdoor engagement.
*Cook collectively with whole foods.
*Start swim lessons and/or to support family members learning to swim.
Traveling out of state? We’ve got you covered! Check out our monthly Trail Mix to join us in a family friendly event outdoors!
The Trail Mix: Outside in October
You're invited to Prowl Owls, Pick Apples, Carve Pumpkins, and Glamp Out with us this month.
Atlanta, Georgia
Essential Camping Skills and Introduction to Backcountry Cooking with REI October 3
Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery Open House October 10
Pick Apples at Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay Georgia October 17
Halloween Hike at Amicola Falls and Burts Farm's Pumpkin Hunt October 25
Bay Area, California
Outdoor Afro GlampOut October 1
Black History and Hiking on San Francisco's Coast October 2
Mount Whitney Slide Show & Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Recruitment Info Session October 6
Family Celebration of Urban Birds with Oakland Museum of California! October 10
Orienteering in Briones Regional Park October 11
Spider Love Hike October 11
Outdoor Afro After Work: Bernal Hill October 23
Pumpkin Carving and Learning at Pollinate October 24
Family Field Trip to Slide Ranch October 24
Climb that Wall October 24
Night Walk in the Forest October 31
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Soundwalk at Pullman Nat'l Monument & State Historic Site October 3
Fall Paddling on Little Calumet River October 17
Fall Acrylic Art in the Marquette Park October 18
Camping at Kettle Moraine Southern Unit October 24
3 Dune Challenge at Indiana State Park October 31
Los Angeles, CA
Docent Led Hike at Malibu Creek State Park October 18
Mount Whitney Slide Show & Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Recruitment Info Session October 29
Louisville, KY
Fall Break Canoemobile October 2
Annual Mayor's Hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest October 17
New York/New Jersey
Pumpkin Carving and Corn Maze with Outdoor Afro October 24
North Carolina Triangle
Camping at Falls Lake October 10
Portland, Oregon
Hike to Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls, then the base of Multnomah Falls October 3
Phoenix, AZ
Missions, Massacres and Plagues: Trail Tales October 31
Richmond, VA
Hiking and Walking Stick Craft at Powhatan State Park October 24
Seattle, Washington
Owl Prowl at Seward Park October 17
South Carolina
Survival on the Coast Hike at Edisto State Park October 3
Leave No Trace Family Workshop and Fall Hike October 31
St Louis, Missouri
Moderate hike on Lewis and Clark Trail October 11
Fall Camping in Washington State Park October 30
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Heritage Trail Neighborhood Walk October 3
Pierce Mill Heritage Day October 10
Fall Yoga Hike at Leesylvania State Park October 11
Make October Festive with Outdoor Afro!
Outdoor Afro Leadership Team Information and Recruitment Series
In partnership with REI, Outdoor Afro is excited to present a special series in advance of our 2016 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team recruitment.
We will share more on our recent journey to the summit of Mount Whitney, including photos and tips for success. We will also provide information on how YOU can join our nationally recognized Leadership Team team.
*SAVE THE DATES:
Berkeley, CA October 6, 2015
RSVP
Denver, CO October 12, 2015
RSVP
Santa Monica, CA October 29, 2015
RSVP
San Jose, CA November 3, 2015
RSVP
Chicago, IL November 18, 2015
New York, NY November 30, 2015
Portland, Oregon December 10, 2015
Washington, DC December 20, 2015
*Additional Dates and Locations TBD
The Trail Mix: Hiking in September
Grab a handful with Outdoor Afro as we kayak Falls Lake, Camp in Kaibab National Forest and Bike Ride on St. Helena Island
Atlanta, Georgia
Labor Day Weekend Hike @ Kennesaw Mountain September 5
Atlanta Beltline Tour September 26
Arabia Mountain Full Moon Hike September 26
Bay Area, California
Hike by the Ocean at Wilder Ranch Bluffs in Santa Cruz September 12
Outdoor Afro After Work: Mount Sutro September 18
Hike in the Oakland Hills September 20
Outdoor Volleyball September 20
Scout the REI 10K in Redwood Regional Park September 26
Outdoor Afro After Work Refugio Park September 30
Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana
Sunday Funday: Paddling on Little Calumet River September 20
Fall Foliage Hike at Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm Trail September 27
Los Angeles, CA
Camping in Yosemite Class with REI September 24
Louisville, KY
Camp Nelson Civil War Days Living History Event September 12
Voyageur Canoe Excursion September 26
New York/New Jersey
Kayaking in Flushing Meadows September 20
North Carolina Triangle
Outdoor Afro and REI Kayak Tour on Falls Lake September 12
Planning Meeting for Falls Lake Camping Trip September 24
Portland, Oregon
Hike to Punchbowl Falls Eagle Creek September 19
Phoenix, AZ
Sport and Yoga in Kiwanis Park September 7
10 Miles of Wonder in the Kaibab: Camp, Hike, & Photography September 18
Richmond, VA
Pyrite Mine Hike - Prince William Forest September 12
Hike in Chippokes Plantation State Park September 26
Seattle, Washington
Gardens and Great Reads Outdoor Afro Book Series September 23
Seaward Park Bird Watching September 26
South Carolina
Bike Ride on St. Helena Island September 7
St Louis, Missouri
Hike in Pere Marquette State Park September 26
Washington DC- Maryland- Northern Virginia
Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Hike - Prince William Forest Park September 12
Freedom Field Day September 13
Good Bye Summer, Hello Autumn Meet and Greet at REI September 17
Biking at Artemesia Natural Area September 19
Intro to Outdoor Climbing September 19
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park Tour and Hike September 26
Boulder Bridge Hike - Celebrating Rock Creek Park's 125th Anniversary September 27
Outdoor Afro Leaders Around the Country Want You and Your Family to SELFIE with Us in Nature!
Outdoor Afro Reaches New Heights on Summit of Mount Whitney
Eight Member Summit Team Hikes the Trail Blazed by Buffalo Soldiers and Inspires Black People Around the Country to Practice Self Love in the Outdoors
Written by Outdoor Afro Leader and Mount Whitney Summit Team Leader Viva Yeboah
On August 15, 2015, Outdoor Afro raised our banner on the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the continental United States. This moment marked the culmination of an adventure that drew upon values embedded in African American culture, including stewardship, teamwork, and history.
The Outdoor Afro Mount Whitney Summit Team included all five of the founding members of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team. Outdoor Afro Chicago Leader and Mount Whitney Summit Team Leader Viva Yeboah shares more about their experience below.
Why climb Mount Whitney? Why do such a challenging hike?
"Outdoor Afro's mission is to reconnect African Americans with natural spaces and each other. We do that by hosting recreational activities and honoring our history. A backpacking trip up Mount Whitney fits right in with what Outdoor Afro leaders do everyday because the trip entails adventure (highest peak in the lower 48 states!), stewardship (leave no trace principles are a must), teamwork (only 30% of hikers reach the summit), and a unique, untold aspect of African American history (the Buffalo Soldiers constructed the first trail up Mount Whitney)."
What is backpacking?
"Backpacking is using a backpack (external or internal frame) to carry all gear, equipment and personal items needed for a multi-day, weekend or extended trip. For our Mt. Whitney trip we practiced wilderness backpacking. Essentially taking everything we need to complete our summit and to camp at the Inyo National Forest campgrounds. Usually I over pack for trips. I am always like what if I need this item or this dress or this book. Just thinking of the possibilities without thinking of actually what I need or what time is available. In preparing for this 3 day trip, managing your weight and selecting proper gear and equipment that are essential for the team to succeed is very important. We had general gear and equipment list, from that list items needed for this particular trip was selected. Every trip is different and will require you to adjust your list based on the weather, items with multi use, type of trip and group size. To physically prepare, the group trained for several months and conditioned ourselves to carry our pack for a extended time. Our local REI staff were very helpful in helping us choose the right packs and gear. And we followed the general rule of carrying no more than 20% of your body weight."
How did you interact with nature on the trip?
"You know I felt like my interaction or awareness definitely increase. Our trip was 3 days/ 2 nights and no cellphone coverage. The Mt Whitney trail is 22 miles round trip, 6100 elevation gain and is part of two national parks, Inyo National Park and Sequoia National Park. During our trek we viewed and embraced the diverse beauty of both parks. We hiked through four vegetation zone from Montane, Subalpine, Alpine to Barren. With each zone providing the opportunity to see the diverse wildlife and plant species of both national parks.
We spotted all kinds of wildlife including deer, grouse, marmots, quails, squirrels, etc. We also appreciated the plant species along the trail such as lodgepole and foxtail pine trees, sky pilot, cut-leaf and alpine gold daisy and granite draba. The colors purple and yellow from the sky pilot and alpine gold daisy gave me such inspiration as we summited Mt Whitney.
How did the group practice LEAVE NO TRACE principles?
"At all Outdoor Afro events the seven principles of Leave No Trace are practiced and applied when applicable. For this trip we incorporated all of them as follows:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. We educated ourselves on all rules and regulation such as the requirements for WAG bags and bear canisters. Stayed current on weather conditions that could dramatically impact our trip such as severe thunderstorm. Studied the Mt Whitney map and became familiar with water sources. Providing family and friends with emergency numbers.
- Leave What you Find. It is important to leave the trail how you find it. So the next individual or group enjoys it just as much as you did. For example, we enjoyed the wonderful smell from pine cones, but also made a conscious decision to leave the pine cones were we found them.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts. Campfires are banned at Inyo National Park campsites. Our team used lightweight stoves.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. We selected designated campsites. Made sure to set up our sites 200 feet away from the water source.
- Respect Wildlife. Our team observed wildlife from a distance and did not feed any animals. We also made sure to store our food properly in our packs and in bear canisters.
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors. We respected all hikers on the trail and at our campsite. Our breaks were off the trail and while descending the team made sure to yield to oncoming hikers."
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Dispose of Waste Properly. Pack it in, pack it out. All waste (food packages, left over food and human waste) are all packed out.
What did it feel like to know people all over the country were joining you in solidarity hikes?
"The first two words that come to mind is motivating and inspiring. You realize that this trip is greater than you, greater than your team, but for our community. Our circle reaches throughout the US and beyond. It is one of the best feelings."
Why did you take your summit photo with the Ghanaian flag?
"I had to represent part of my culture. I am first generation Ghanaian American. Both my parents are Ghanaian. I also told my mom when we make it to the top, I'd rep for her!"
How do you hope hikers will respond when they see the Outdoor Afro sticker at the summit register?
"I hope people will see our sticker and know that Mount Whitney is our success just like it is theirs. I hope it disrupts the false perception that black people do not have a relationship with Mount Whitney and other natural spaces, and shifts the visual representation of who connects with these spaces. I also hope people it will inspire fellow hikers to learn more about Outdoor Afro and the thousands of African Americans who join us in nature every day."
Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires African American connections and leadership in nature. We help people take better care of themselves, our communities, and our planet.