Ridin' Out! Chicago Community ride with RBG-Chi
by Viva Yeboah
Last Saturday Outdoor Afro teamed up with Red Bike and Green-Chicago (RBG) for the Northside Community Ride in the Uptown and Roger Park neighborhoods. After a quick introduction and ice breaker, Eboni Hawkins, co-founder of RBG, gave us a rundown of traffic rules, road advice and details about the route we were taking.
Eboni giving us the traffic sign for "stop"
Our first stop was Winthrop Avenue Family Historical Garden in the Uptown neighborhood. Due to land covenants and legal segregation, the 4600 block of Winthrop Ave was the only area available in the neighborhood for African-Americans to live prior to World War II. People on this block became like family to each other (so much so that they refer to themselves as the Winthrop Avenue Family). In the mid-2000s, several vacant lots on the block were turned into a community garden for the neighborhood and dedicated to the Winthrop Avenue Families. For more information visit, https://sites.google.com/site/winthropinitiatives/home
At our second stop, we visited the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. The museum founded by Elise Hernandez, opened to the public in November, 2012. The museum goal’s is to show the culture of Haitian and Haitian-Americans throughout the diaspora. Included are a gallery showcasing Haitians and local Chicago artists and library highlighting Haitian literature. Not only are social events held at the museum but there are also language classes, for those interested in learning French and Kreyòl.
Our third stop was the Black Ensemble Theatre. Founded in 1975 by Jackie Taylor, the theatre produces plays highlighting notable African-American figures. Play productions at The Black Ensemble theatre have included “The Marvin Gaye Story”, “From Doo Woop to Hip Hop” and "Ain't No Crying The Blues in the Memory of Howlin' Wolf". During our visit, we received a tour of the theatre and had a chance to see children practicing for an upcoming production.
Our last two stops were Unan Imports and Earth Center of Maanu Inc in the Roger Park neighborhood. Unan Imports is a great shop for purchasing items such as shea butter, black soap, oils, African fabric and other items that are difficult to find in the city. Earth Center of Maanu Inc. is a Kemetic Spiritual Center focused on economic, health and spiritual empowerment. Classes are held there weekly and items available for purchase include publications, herbs and educational videos.
We ended our ride at Badou Senegalese Cuisine for lunch. Our family style meal included Ginger and Bissap cocktail drinks, veggie and meat boulette, pastels, a Senegalese garden salad, soul food delight, jollof rice, and peanut stew. We topped off our lunch with desserts from Caribbean American Bakery!
A BIG thank you to RBG for leading the ride and navigating the group safely to each spot. Thank you to each of the businesses for welcoming our group. These community rides are so important in supporting local businesses, highlighting current developments and learning about relevant historical events/locations in our neighborhoods. In total we had close to 30 people attend our community ride. Great weather, beautiful people, great energy. I am still high off this energy!
More photos:
http://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Afro-Chicago/photos/16502882/
https://www.facebook.com/rbgchi
On This Day in Outdoor Afro History...
by Zoë Polk
On August 9, 1936, Outdoor Afro Jesse Owens broke world records by winning 4 Gold medals in the Berlin Olympics. 77 years later, Outdoor Afros in Oakland, California celebrated Mr. Owens by striking our own starting pose on our hike in Sibley Volcanic Regional Park!
Thank you, Jesse Owens for contributing to the long, proud history of African Americans thriving, inspiring and winning in the Outdoors!
Road Trip Tips and Tricks!
Our friends over at Love's Gumbo have produced a video to help you make the most of your road trip adventures. We especially appreciate their advice to stay alert to the unexpected, and mix up your fun with our National Parks along the way! What might you add to their great suggestions? Watch!
Nature in Two Ways: Both Right
We just came back from Outdoor Retailer, the largest outdoor lifestyle show of its kind in the country where leaders discussed how the industry might welcome people who are both “outdoorsy”, and “outsidey” This message rings true to our work that always strives to share the wide range of black connections to nature.
In our Facebook feed today, the range could not be clearer between the two images above: one of friend and poet Camille Dungy with her family hiking for a good cause; the other of several friends enjoying their local park. Both events located in the San Francisco Bay Area within 25 miles of each other.
Which is the more “valid” way to engage with nature? one might ask, or quietly pick a preference between the two images.
Of course, we won't answer that question, but instead welcome you to share what feels right for you. Are you an outdoorsy or outsidey Outdoor Afro? Does it matter?
Four Months Ago - Or Was It Last Weekend?
By: Nkrumah Frazier, Outdoor Afro Leader, South Mississippi
It’s hard to believe that it has been 4 months since I spent 4 days on a mountain with a group of strangers. On Friday, April 19th 2013 a team of African American nature enthusiasts converged on a California mountain overlooking the town of Lucerne, CA and Clear Lake for a weekend of fellowship, conversation, learning and above all sharing and expanding a common passion of reconnecting to the outdoors. This was the first ever Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) event. This is but one version of events (far from all inclusive) that happened that weekend.
My story began in Mississippi as I prepared to depart my home and my family behind. This was only the 2nd time in my 10 years of marriage that I was apart from my wife; Chelsea, for more than a day. To say that it was emotional and exciting would be a gross understatement. On the morning of April 18th I arrived at the Gulfport International Airport in Gulport, MS with my wife at my side. The excitement had already begun to build. We said our “goodbyes”, parted ways and soon after I was in the air on my way into the unknown. I was on my way to meet 17 total strangers (all members of the OALT) with whom I was to spend the next few days of my life.
I got off an airplane at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday April 18 and soon was in the company of a total stranger (fellow OA leader Tan Scarborough) from Memphis, TN waiting to be picked up by our gracious host, and Outdoor Afro founder Ms. Rue Mapp. I suppose you can call us all a bit crazy because in this day and age it’s true that you should never get into a vehicle with someone that you “really” don’t know, but that is exactly what happened. Three “strangers” ended up in a car in San Francisco headed to Oakland, California. However after only a minute or two we were laughing as if we were old friends that hadn’t seen each other in years sharing stories of “the good old days”. This immediate sense of friendship and camaraderie was a bit of foreshadowing for the entire weekend of activities.
Rue graciously invited Tan Scarborough and me into her home and offered us a place to sleep. Her sister also opened her home to an OALT member in support of Rue’s efforts. The following morning I woke up read my bible, prayed and took a few minutes to walk around outside and breathe in the cool crisp California air before everyone else began to stir in the house. As with most households with young children getting the kids off to school was a chore. I was relieved to see that my new friend had just as much difficulty managing young independently thinking children as I do in my own home.
Amidst all the morning commotion a very comical exchange took place between Rue and me. When the subject of breakfast came up Rue asked if I ate grits. I am a black man from south Mississippi; likely one of the very first places that grits were ever eaten and still one of the strongholds of “grit eaters” in this mighty nation. All I could do was give her my side ways glare of disbelief. In my opinion a more appropriate question would have been “What would you like with your grits?” but I digress. I was honestly and pleasantly surprised that she had grits in her kitchen!
That day; with several cars and 17 Outdoor Afros in tow, we traveled from Oakland, California through Napa Valley to the city of Lucerne on the shores of Clear Lake (the largest natural lake in California). From there we drove 5 miles up a mountain and eventually converged on our weekend destination at the Precious Forest Retreat. 17 Outdoor Afros; mostly strangers, arrived at Precious Forest and after only a few minutes of conversations, laughter and playful banter began to spring up. Most of the Outdoor Afros had never met any of the other team members aside from those in the San Francisco Bay area.
This leadership training event was designed to be thought provoking, engaging and inspiring. All of the planned conversations, activities and presentations did just that. We learned about how various organizations lead their outdoor programs. Organizations like REI and The Sierra Club talked with us about the way that their organizations have engaged their respective communities and how/why their approaches changed over the years. Caroleigh Van Pelt Pierce; A representative from Klean Kanteen, stopped by to talk with us about their attempts to spearhead a movement to reduce pollution in the world, by reducing the use of plastic water bottles.
Individuals like Carolyn Finney, Nina Roberts and Raphael Allen shared their experiences, heartaches and the joyous moments of being an African American (and in many instances the only African American) working in a field related to the natural world. These individuals were inspiring and enlightening but most of all revealed to me that my struggles as an African American were shared by others in other parts of the country. Admittedly my perspective was a bit skewed having lived my entire life in south Mississippi where racism has an uglier history than many other parts of the country.
A young lady by the name of Danielle Moodie-Mills came and spent the weekend with us to talk about community and civic engagement. Despite being completely out of her element on the side of a mountain with limited luxuries Ms. Moodie-Mills ingratiated herself with the group so much that I initially thought that she was one of the Outdoor Afro leaders. I later learned that she would be a pivotal key to our talks and engagement over the course of the weekend. Ms. Moodie-Mills talked with us about her experiences as a teacher and as a Washington lobbyist. She gave us “assignments” and too little time to complete them (for which I am still a bit bitter because as I was attempting to explain to her that weekend….You can’t rush greatness!) in an attempt to make us practice responding to difficult questions and situations in a positive yet engaging manner.
We came from all over the United States with very different backgrounds yet we all shared the same passion for the outdoors, and we all want to share that passion with others. This passion was the binding force behind the entire weekend. We all knew that everyone at the retreat was there for the same purpose. Over the course of the entire weekend there was no negativity. It felt wonderful to be among such a diverse group of African American professionals. As I reflect upon this experience I draw from the strength, experiences and positivity that was shared by all on the side of that California mountain. I look forward to leading many Outdoor Afro events here in south Mississippi.
Into the Wilderness We Go!
Take an escape to the wilderness of Northwestern Montana with Outdoor Afro guest blogger Lamar Gore, an assistant refuge supervisor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - originally posted on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service blog.
As a kid, I spent my formative years exploring “my wilderness” at Shady Brook Park and White City Lake (now John A. Roebling Park) in Trenton, NJ. I was teased because I played in the woods and swamps, but as a child I was fearless. And with a smile of encouragement from my mom or dad, I was off to the woods and ready to play.
Just a few weeks ago, I descended on Missoula, Montana with forty-nine other conservationists as part of training to begin an immersion experience in the Scapegoat Wilderness. Wilderness lands are wild lands that have not been modified by human activity, like maintained roads or the use of motorized equipment.
So without machines in wilderness lands, how did we get out there? My companion was Remmington, an amazingly sturdy, gentle, and stunning friend of mine. By the end of the trip, we had quite the connection.
As we sat around the camp on our first night, the flute like song of the Swainson's thrush rang out on the hillside. This was a common sound around camp and on hikes.
On our second day in, I felt the call...when you feel it calling, you must simply go, and go I did. I crossed the river into a floodplain meadow, where willow flycatchers were playing their song. Past the willows and up the mountainside I climbed, and below me, the moving figures of my classmates appeared tiny stick figures, some fishing, others cooling in the river or resting.
The sound of the river faded to be replaced by the sound of birds at a higher elevation and the knocking of woodpeckers. Once on the ridgeline, I could see the valley we journeyed through to approach camp and it was breathtaking. The river wound from side to side, and the mountainsides appeared to collide into each other.
On our final night in the Scapegoat, the song of a boreal owl took me to sleep. He can play that song until the end of time and beyond. That alone was enough to walk out of the Scapegoat with. As Remmington was taking me on the last few steps of our journey, my mind wandered back to our last night in the Wilderness. Those thoughts, made the closing unwelcome and rushed. Just imagine if I had let the fear of the unknown stop me as a youngin’?
Nature is a Healer
We have all been riveted to newsfeeds everywhere about the Trayvon Martin case this week, searching for answers and trying to figure how best to respond. In a timely share, we received a touching video on our Facebook page that demonstrates how youth from the stressed neighborhood of Sunnydale in San Francisco, California have a brief respite from the violence that plagues their young lives.
The Sunnydale Kids from Ripple Effect on Vimeo.
As a mother, community member, and founder of Outdoor Afro, for me the result of this national tragedy is a renewal of my commitment to support efforts that allow all children to have access, feel welcomed, and be safe in the outdoors no matter where and who they are.
More than ever, we need everyone to help replace fear with wonder; and watching with seeing Outdoor Afros big and small walking through their neighborhoods without cause for alarm.
Nature is a healer, and I invite you to use it as a platform to restore the innocence of youth -- and our humanity.
In what ways can you help everyone in our community to feel welcome and safe?
Thanks Marla Wilson for sharing this video with our community!
From Concrete to the Jungle: Exploring Your City’s Open Spaces!
By Zoë Polk
As an urban dweller, I often look at maps of my city. Sometimes I’m looking at a map to find the fastest way home from work. A lot of times, I’m using a map to identify the best route to get out of the city and to the campground, hiking trail and/or swimming spot that I’ve been daydreaming about all week. Most recently, I pulled out a city map and asked “How can I turn my weekly trip to my neighborhood farmers’ market into an adventure?” My answer was a 5 mile hike that spanned four of San Francisco’s beautiful natural spaces, and an expedition that I was delighted to share with 25 other Outdoor Afros.
San Francisco, like many cities, has numerous beautiful natural parks scattered throughout. For many of us nature lovers, those small green squares on the map represent places for rejuvenation, refuge, recreation and relaxation. At first glance those the green spaces can appear disconnected and isolated from one another, each meriting its own day trip. But with a little creativity, a little planning and a craving for adventure, you can create a route that connects several parks and connects YOU to nature.
The parks we visited on Sunday each offered a unique experience and challenge. We started our morning with a brisk climb to Corona Heights Park. Situated at the top some of San Francisco’s infamously steep streets, our visit here got our hearts pumping! At the craggy summit, we were rewarded with beautiful views of Twin Peaks and downtown San Francisco.
From Corona Heights, we traveled to Tank Hill Park, a smaller green space, named for the drinking water tank which was once located there.
Along the 650 climb to its peak, we marveled at the dozens of blackberry brambles and discussed the fruits we were excited to buy at the farmers. market Tank Hill also offered our first view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
Before we entered Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve, I introduced the park as my favorite jungle within the city. With its towering trees, large green ferns, and vibrant animal life, including over 40 species of birds flying overhead, Mt. Sutro rewards many urban hikers. Staying on the marked trails, we covered much of the 80 acre park. On rare moments, we’d see a structure, a fellow hiking group, and breaks in the trees, but we spent much of the hike enthralled by a surprising and majestic wilderness.
At Mt. Sutro' s Summit,
we paused to reflect on the notion of discovery. Many Outdoor Afros observed they had discovered new flowers, new views of the city and new knowledge of green space preservation.Others reflected on discovering new parts of themselves, including strong physical endurance and heightened curiosities about urban parks.
I reflected that I had recently discovered that Maya Angelou adored her youth in San Francisco and as San Francisco's first Black female Cable Car driver, used maps to navigate the city that she loved. It inspired me to reread “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and put her poetic words to my own feelings and adventures in my city. In that spirit of discovery, I shared the following passage from Ms. Angelou’s famous work:
"To San Franciscans “the City That Knows Hows” was the Bay, the fog…
the Sunset District and so on and so forth and so white. To me, a
thirteen year old Black girl stalled by the south and Southern Black
life style, the city was a state of beauty and a state of freedom. The
fog wasn’t simply the steamy vapors off the bay caught and penned in
by hills, but a soft breath of anonymity that shrouded and cushioned
the bashful traveler. I became dauntless and free of fears,
intoxicated by the physical fact of San Francisco. Safe in my
protective arrogance. I was certain that no one loved her as
impartially as I.”
Reading aloud this passage encouraged us to view the morning fog in a new light. And it reminded us that we can honor our African American treasures, like Ms. Angelou, by cherishing our own connections to nature.
As we descended down Mt. Sutro, we took in the beautiful radiant sights of the Inner Sunset Farmers Market, including bright red strawberries, juicy peaches, bold sunflowers and dahlias and plump blueberries.
Before traversing, Duboce Park, our fourth and final park of the day, many of us stocked up for the week, buying fruits for Sunday afternoon pie and greens for Sunday night dinner. As we headed back to our starting point via public transit, we discussed our adventure and the sumptuous fresh bounty which filled our reusable bags. And we all bonded over our joy and appreciation of the city's green spaces.
TRY OUR HIKE!
Check out the map of our route below to try our hike. Not a San Franciscan Urban Dweller? Explore your local parks and farmers markets and share your adventure with Outdoor Afro!
A Family That Camps Together...
We were so tickled to receive the video below via our Facebook page from Wendi Nicole, a mom, wife, and professor at George Mason University who loves to camp.
Wendi shares, "We began camping five years ago (in Virginia and Maryland) and quickly recruited others. Family and friends have joined us for the last four years and we always enjoy the opportunity to create memories by the campfire."
What shines through in each image is just how happy everyone is. From the oldest to the very youngest, their nature glow is infectious!
Want to start a family camping tradition of your own? Visit your local REI store for all the know-how, and gear you need to get started, then check out Reserve America to reserve your ideal campground near where you live.
Don't forget to tag your summer fun images #outdoorafro on Facebook and Instagram!
Happy Fourth of July and Interdependence Day!
"Ecologically speaking, the food we grow and eventually consume relies on the soil food web, an interdependent network of organisms living in and above our soil. These organisms consume, convert and transfer energy and are necessary for the health of the soil. Without a healthy soil food web, our soil is depleted, and plants are not able to draw up the needed nutrients. This interdependence must exist in order for the soil to thrive."
In what ways do you recognize interdependence in your own world? What do you need to be sustainable?