Outdoor Afro’s Rue Mapp nominated as Bessie Awards finalist
Global lifestyle brand Wanderful has announced 2023 finalists of its fifth annual Bessie Awards, and this year’s nominees include Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. Mapp has been selected as a finalist under the JourneyWoman Award category, a lifetime achievement award for a person who has demonstrated long-term commitment to making the travel industry better. This award is presented in memory of JourneyWoman’s Evelyn Hannon. “It’s truly an incredible honor to be recognized by the community,” said Mapp, whose social enterprise in 2009 called Outdoor Afro is today a national not-for-profit organization. “I’m personally touched by the person this award recognizes – a Black American woman, Bessie Coleman, who not only sought to travel in an era of exquisite and codified boundaries that limited that possibility for women who looked like her, but also had the audacity and tenacity to become a pilot herself. So much of my work stands on the shoulders of Bessie Coleman whose heights I can only try to attain.”
FORMER WINNERS, ATTENDEES VOTE HERE
The Bessie Awards is dedicated to recognizing the achievements and efforts of those who have contributed to and impacted the travel industry. Winners are selected through a popular vote from past WITS attendees and former Bessie Award winners. Voting is now open. WITS will announce this year’s winners at the Bessie Awards ceremony taking place Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. AST at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mapp is an awarded and inspirational leader, speaker, public lands champion, outdoor gear designer, and published author. The Oakland, California, native established for-profit venture Outdoor Afro, Inc. in 2021 and subsequently launched a 22-piece hike collection with outdoor retailer REI Co-op. Her first national book titled “Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors” released with American publisher Chronicle Books during November 2022. That same year in February, she participated in an 18-day Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage to Antarctica. Mapp became a founding member of the group's first-ever Black Traveler Advisory Board. The board is designed to drive change within the entire cruise industry.
Over the years, Mapp has been recognized with many awards and distinctions. She became a 2021 AFAR Travel Vanguard Award recipient, National Geographic 2019 Fellow, Heinz Awards Honoree, and National Wildlife Federation Communication Award recipient (received alongside President Bill Clinton). The White House also invited Mapp to participate in the America’s Great Outdoors Conference, which led to her participation in the launch of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative. Mapp’s career and community impact through Outdoor Afro aims to lift up the natural world and those who connect with it. Her advocacy for conservation continues to earn international media attention, including The New York Times, Good Morning America, NPR, NBC’s TODAY, Forbes, Oprah Winfrey, and “MeatEater” with Steven Rinella.
“I’ve accomplished a lot of life goals,” Mapp said. “For me, it’s always been about a race to the ordinary. I want to get out on my travels and adventures, and see more people who look like me and are represented as strong, beautiful, and free from all over the world. And it's no longer a big deal. The Bessie Awards, created by Wanderful and hosted at the annual Women in Travel Summit (WITS) Travel Creator Summit, honor women and gender diverse people of impact in the travel space – particularly influencers, creative entrepreneurs, marketers, brands, and industry members who have added a compelling voice to the travel industry. “We are absolutely thrilled to recognize such an extraordinary group of creators and brands this year for our fifth annual Bessies,” said Beth Santos, Founder and CEO of Wanderful. “We hope that by showcasing their work we can inspire more builders in the space to contribute their voices to make our travel industry even more thoughtful, inclusive, and meaningful.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide movement with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching more than 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT WANDERFUL: Wanderful is a global lifestyle brand that specializes in helping all women travel the world. Reaching more than 100 million women worldwide each year, Wanderful connects travelers through a thriving membership community, meetups in 50 global cities, group trips, global events like WITS Travel Creator Summit, and the first major outdoor travel festival for women, Wanderfest. Learn more here.
ABOUT WITS TRAVEL CREATOR SUMMIT: WITS is the premier event for travel’s top marketing talent. Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, DMOs, and industry come together to discuss future innovations, build dynamic collaborations, and change travel worldwide, all while supporting and empowering a dynamic community of women and gender diverse people. Learn more here.
Chaya Harris' winter walking suggestions for Oprah Quarterly
Oprah Quarterly featured Outdoor Afro National Program Director Chaya Harris (CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REPORT) in its January 2023 winter coverage, asking the Boston-based outdoorswoman about the health implications of simply walking in cold weather. The right source to quiz, the former public school educator and now nature traveler's tally of winter excursions include New England ice climbing, ice skating, skiing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. In 2022, she and Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp took an 18-day Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage together to Antarctica. So, Harris is pretty savvy on penguin diction, too. Coupled with her Oprah Quarterly commentary, Harris shares these good-to-know points and health benefits to this hibernal activity:
QUESTION: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS ONE GAINS FROM WALKING OUTDOORS?
HARRIS: Walking or hiking is such a popular Outdoor Afro nature activity for our networks across the nation. Specifically because of the many health benefits, including muscle development, building a steadier heart rate, and more time outdoors to address any weight concerns we might have. It’s an opportunity to connect our minds and body in a simple fashion. Taking longer strides and engaging the core are easy actions to increase range of motion, flexibility, and coordination while walking in nature as well.
QUESTION: HOW DOES WALKING IN NATURE, OR JUST THE OUTDOORS, IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH?
HARRIS: It really gives space for us to clear our minds — to re-access daily tasks or challenges from a newer (sometimes creative) perspective. There is this notion of seasonal affective disorder that can make us depressed or anxious as the year changes. Walking can become an answer to discovering peace in these times, becoming an effective source for decompressing mentally from major life shifts. I personally find it interesting how setting goals while walking — like a 15-minute neighborhood stroll — can turn into this serotonin accomplishment boost.
QUESTION: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO WALK IN NATURE FOR OVERALL WELL BEING?
HARRIS: In these semi-COVID times, it’s valuable. Working remotely has truly become commonplace for a lot of people, families, and communities. Walking as a form of exercise, self-care, or socializing is vital to adjusting during the pandemic. It’s a rewarding outlet worth taking advantage of for our sanity. It certainly grounds me and allows me to release any tension or stress I’m feeling. Walking equally reminds me of the small wonders in life — the birds chirping or flowers blooming — and making the most of each moment in nature. Dedicating time to walk in my neighborhood also gives me gratitude that I’m able to stay home and appreciate the outdoors in my area.
QUESTION: ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS ONE GETS FROM WALKING IN WINTER DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER OR SCENERY?
HARRIS: For one thing: There’s no mosquitos or other creatures that may typically cause fear or anxiety. I find the winter months as much calmer with quieter locations in nature. Winter walking is easier on the joints if you’re in a snowy region. I love that soft crunch under my feet. With the right layers, you can get a fairly low-impact workout.
QUESTION: CAN YOU SHARE TIPS FOR MAKING WALKING A DAILY ROUTINE?
HARRIS: Literally, write down “walking today” on a Post-it Note. Schedule time in your smartphone. Seriously, make walking part of your personal or work schedule. Don’t be afraid to scout a neighbor or colleague to become your walking buddy. It gives the experience a social element. If no one is available, use the opportunity to listen to your favorite podcast or a new album while in route. Don’t forget: Focus on the enjoyment part of walking. Turn it into a daily routine or an award system to self.
QUESTION: ANY PRACTICAL TIPS OR WALKING-IN-WINTER STRATEGIES TO KEEP IN MIND, SAFETY ISSUES, WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE CLIMATE?
HARRIS: Shop fun, comfortable, and durable footwear. Ones so snug you welcome exploring more in nature or your neighborhood. Layering up in the wintertime is high priority in cold weather. Have your base layer (not cotton if you want to keep sweat away), then your insulating layer (fleece options) and outdoor layer (puffy coat or down jacket). If it’s raining, consider a hard shell jacket. I like full zip-ups as a form of extra protection. Plus, they’re easier to pack up.
QUESTION: ANYTHING ONE CAN DO TO ENHANCE THEIR EXPERIENCE WALKING OUTDOORS/IN NATURE?
HARRIS: Pair walking with other nature activities you enjoy. For instance, bird watching, journaling, or photographing wildlife. Also, try walking throughout the four seasons to keep your scenery in nature interesting and with a fresh perspective on life.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
Outdoor Afro welcomes two new board members
Two outdoor leaders, Nik Dehejia and Maria Louise Hekker, joined Outdoor Afro’s Board of Directors to help support the not-for-profit organization’s nature and community work across America. “I have known and respected the pioneering and innovative work of both Nik and Maria for more than two decades combined,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “They each bring deep and accomplished expertise in both nonprofit and business leadership.”
Dehejia and Hekker started their two-year terms with Outdoor Afro during the board’s annual retreat and training that took place November 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Board members can serve up to four consecutive two-year terms. As Dehejia and Hekker entered the board, founding Board Chair Beth Pratt concluded eight years with Outdoor Afro as a board member.
In addition to her roles as board chair and California regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation, Pratt advocated for the protection of P-22 and the building of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing bridging U.S. Route 101. “Beth has been there for me and Outdoor Afro from before the founding of the organization as we know it today,” said Mapp. “She and I are so fortunate to share a personal and professional sisterhood that has pushed us to achieve innovation, social entrepreneurship, and overall disruption and elevation of expected conservation nonprofit outcomes.”
Mapp added about Pratt as a colleague and friend: “She alone has changed how our organization – and the world – thinks about the role and care of wildlife in our society. Her imprint on me as a friend, and especially on the work of Outdoor Afro, will be felt and honored for generations to come.” Board Secretary Dawn O’Neal will replace Pratt as Outdoor Afro’s 2023 board chair. O’Neal also serves as a vice president of the National Audubon Society, working with peers across the country to shape and deliver national objectives, initiatives, and processes.
Dehejia is a 16-year veteran of Oakland Zoo. He serves as the zoo’s chief executive officer, helping to advance the zoo’s future in both wildlife conservation and as a visitor destination. He’s also a board member of the Regional Parks Foundation, Visit Oakland, and the Wildlife Restoration Foundation. Before Oakland Zoo, Dehejia worked in international public policy at the World Resources Institute and World Bank, in corporate responsibility at Business for Social Responsibility, and in a more traditionally commercial role at Levi Strauss & Co.
Hekker holds more than 35 years of business, management, operations, and legal service with public, private, and nonprofit entities. She has spent a lifetime outdoors and appreciates Outdoor Afro’s focus on joy and healing in local communities. Hekker's experience also includes more than three decades on several nonprofit boards; countless volunteer hours; two years as a chief operating officer for a consulting startup; a decade as general counsel for a public company; and five years in the San Francisco and Milan offices of an international law firm. Currently, she serves on the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, Inc., Hunter College High School Alumnae/i Association, Inc., and Executive Group for the Friends of the Glen Park Greenway boards.
Outdoor Afro started as a social enterprise for Mapp in 2009. She incorporated Outdoor Afro in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) and has led the organization since as its founder and CEO. The organization has grown from a one-woman blog and three founding board members to 12 full-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors. Its operating budget has grown from a modest $110,000 in revenue in 2015 to now more than $2.5 million – largely from foundations, individuals, and corporate partners supported by its board’s subject matter experts and guidance. “At this moment of rapid growth for Outdoor Afro,” Mapp said, “it is so clear to me that Maria, Nik, and Dawn each have the ability to contribute greatly to our mission and support our critical work.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
5 ways to support Outdoor Afro starting GivingTuesday
November signals a time to restock personal nature spaces and refocus future ambitions as the winter months and the new year approaches. The month also gravitates to giving. Following Thanksgiving is GivingTuesday held Nov. 29, 2022. The global generosity movement will kick off end-of-year giving for national not-for-profit organization Outdoor Afro to close out the year.
“Because of our supporters, we get to be first responders to engage and lift up local connections in nature around the country,” said Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro. “These contributions also allow us to help more people take better care of our community and planet joyously while creating unforgettable, equitable fun and access to Black joy and healing in nature.” Year-round programs and projects supporters and the general public may not know their contributions actually help uplift within the network and throughout the United States:
OUTDOOR AFRO LEADERSHIP TRAINING: This annual training guides the newest class of volunteer leaders through best practices for navigating and leading in nature. Nicknamed “OALT,” the weekend experience held in April equips a select group of volunteers from across the country with the essential outdoor skills needed to return to their hometowns and guide their local communities outside sustainably and safely. To date, Outdoor Afro includes more than 100 volunteer leaders who represent the network’s four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES: Once OALT completes, volunteer leaders develop, host, and lead local activities in their local to regional communities. Activities can cover anything from neighborhood historical walks and cultural park bird watching to biking, hiking, gardening, skiing, fishing, swimming, geocaching, nature journaling, and kayaking. Volunteers often gauge and offer activities that any age group would enjoy pursuing in nature. Volunteers hold more than 1,200 in-person and online events each year.
PADDLE CAMP: Held in August each year, this seven-day summer camp introduces volunteer leaders (10 canoers and 10 kayakers) to effective paddling techniques, safety on the water, and wilderness first aid training to apply through their individual networks. In collaboration with boating and fishing equipment brand Northwest River Supplies, the camp helps strengthen volunteers’ canoeing and kayaking knowledge, and navigation of various waterways. Paddle Camp also prepares volunteers for certification through the American Canoe Association. Outdoor Afro now includes 26 volunteer leaders who are certified canoe or kayak instructors.
MAKING WAVES: The program formed in response to the alarming number of Black children who drown today tied to the historic prohibition of Black access to public swimming pools and beaches. Since 2019, Outdoor Afro’s goal has been to teach every Black child and their caregiver in its sphere of influence learn how to swim. Currently, the network provides Swimmerships™ (swim lesson scholarships). At 357 Swimmerships™ completed, the program continues to grow support from brands like global footwear KEEN to bring awareness and stronger connections to water.
JUNETEENTH: Because media created this flawed narrative of Juneteenth being a “celebration” to the end of U.S. slavery, Outdoor Afro educates the public about the reality of the situation. June 19, 1865, is the date when 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect. The network corrects this oftentimes “celebratory” story by rephrasing the day as a “commemoration.” To honor those who were denied 2.5 years of freedom, Outdoor Afro encourages partners, communities, and networks to spend 2.5 hours in nature, reflecting on what freedom means to them.
DONATE TO THESE PROGRAMS TODAY
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
National not-for-profit Outdoor Afro seeks executive director
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Outdoor Afro seeks an operational executive director to support the national network’s developing programs and growing team. “In our ‘Year of Operations,’ Outdoor Afro is searching for a passionate and strategic executive leader who is also a proven and savvy organizational manager,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “I look forward to being a thought partner with this person and helping support the sustainable growth trajectory of our organization.”
This hire is a new position for the national organization and network. Outdoor Afro started as a social enterprise for Mapp in 2009. She incorporated Outdoor Afro in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) and has led the organization since as its CEO. The organization has grown from a one-woman blog and three founding board members to 12 full-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors. Its operating budget has grown from a modest $110,000 in revenue in 2015 to now more than $2.5 million – largely from foundations, individuals, and corporate partner support.
The executive director will report to the board and serve as communications liaison between the board and staff. This new role will direct Outdoor Afro’s strategic growth efforts and operational efficiency to meet the moment of rapid growth for the organization. In partnership with Mapp, key board members, and staff, the executive director will function as the chief architect to oversee the strategic implementation of best-in-class, not-for-profit operations.
The selected candidate will construct and manage the necessary infrastructure to enable Outdoor Afro’s growth of its national programs and participation network around the United States. As founder, Mapp will remain Outdoor Afro’s CEO and spokeswoman. “After reviewing the position specifications,” said Mapp, “anyone is welcome to apply who feels they meet the qualifications for this important and compelling leadership opportunity.” Interested candidates can submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected], speaking to qualifications per the position specifications here.
*Pictured above is Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. Photo by Tiffanie Page.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
Outdoor Afro holds 2nd annual Juneteenth commemoration
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – National not-for-profit Outdoor Afro will commemorate a significant part of American history through nature healing for Juneteenth 2022’s designated three-day holiday weekend taking place June 18 to June 20. This year’s theme: Reflecting on Freedom with Outdoor Afro. Juneteenth is historically marked as June 19. Outdoor Afro is offering the American people a nationwide invitation to achieve one simple request on this day: join our network to reflect on what it means to be free in this country.
“We can’t lose sight of what Juneteenth is truly about,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “There’s this false narrative of what the holiday symbolizes. Traditionally, America has recognized this day as a ‘celebration’ to the end of slavery in the United States – but that is not accurate.” In reality, June 19, 1865, is the date 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free. What appeared as “good” news was a memo the enslaved finally received two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect.
“Outdoor Afro is correcting this narrative by sharing this history across the country,” said Outdoor Afro’s COO Joseph Mouzon. “To honor this day, we encourage our local communities, partners, supporters, and regional networks to just spend time in nature. Whether that’s at a nearby beach, public park, or your own backyard.” How you can join Outdoor Afro in reflecting on and commemorating freedom:
REGISTER HERE. By doing so, you’re simply pledging to join Outdoor Afro in nature. That’s it. We aim to get 50,000 people outside anywhere they feel comfortable in nature for only 2.5 hours to symbolize the 2.5 years of freedom delayed for the 250,000 enslaved people of Galveston, Texas.
REFLECT WITH US AFTER JUNE 19. Immediately after Juneteenth, Outdoor Afro wants to know how participants spent their 2.5 hours outdoors. These nature stories connect to the American storyline by becoming a modern-day change agent and source of healing from our country’s traumatic past. Outdoor Afro will add this nature-rich content to its site to illustrate its ongoing Black joy and Black healing in nature efforts.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us on social at @outdoorafro
Annual network training welcomes new nature lovers
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA– It’s considered the “most wonderful time of the year” for national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. And for 2022, the organization’s always-anticipated Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT) finally returns in person. “Two years ago, COVID forced us to shift our annual training into consecutive virtual workshops and interactive sessions,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “We’re so excited that we can now gather safely in a space that accommodates our staff, partners, and the 2022 class of volunteer leaders in nature.”
OALT is where outdoor enthusiasts gain firsthand experience in navigating and leading in nature. This year’s training with more than 100 new and returning volunteer leaders takes place at Sun Outdoors’ River Run RV Resort in Granby, Colorado, starting Earth Day 2022 from April 22 through April 24. Coinciding with Earth Day’s 2022 theme of “Invest in Our Planet,” OALT discusses and puts into action outdoor conservation, education, and recreation so that volunteer leaders can create safe, sustainable, and nature-rich activities in their local communities across the United States.
Outdoor Afro’s mission is to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature. With a brand-new cohort of selected volunteer leaders for 2022-23, OALT is an intimate opportunity for volunteers, Outdoor Afro staff, and network partners to bond and continue to strengthen Black people’s relationships with the outdoors. For this year’s training, Outdoor Afro partnered with Sun Outdoors – a leader in outdoor hospitality with more than 175 resorts and campgrounds across the United States and Canada.
“This partnership with Outdoor Afro is an important element in our overall goal as a company,” said Karen Dearing, Chief Financial Officer for Sun Outdoors’ parent company Sun Communities, “creating a path towards fostering a more diverse society.” At Sun Outdoors’ River Run location, Outdoor Afro staff and experienced volunteers will share the organization’s history, values, best practices, and industry knowledge, including: trip planning basics; health impacts of nature; conservation ethics; risk management; and effective social media storytelling.
Select partners and guest speakers are invited to the training to provide field insights, and share inspiration and encouragement. After training, volunteer leaders create and guide monthly trips that foster local program collaborations, and help strengthen community relationships with land, water, and wildlife. Some examples of nature-rich experiences Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders guide after the training completes: camping, fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, skiing, horseback riding, canoeing, geocaching, bird watching, nature journaling, and more.
Volunteer leaders center joy and healing, while also disrupting a false perception that Black people do not have a relationship to nature. Outdoor Afro formed 13 years ago. OALT started in 2012 with just a dozen volunteer outdoor enthusiasts. Each took the call to learn directly from Mapp about how to inspire and guide unforgettable experiences in nature. “OALT is like a family reunion,” said Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director Chaya Harris. “Our volunteer leaders join us from our four regions – Midwest, Northeast, South, and West – for a weekend filled with organized intergenerational fun and outdoor learning.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
ABOUT SUN OUTDOORS: Sun Outdoors is a leader in outdoor hospitality and committed to its mission of offering guests exceptional and transformative outdoor experiences. With over 175 locations across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, Sun Outdoors offers guests several ways to stay: from RV sites to vacation rentals, from tent camping to glamping, whether they stay for a weekend, season or longer. Visit sunoutdoors.com to learn more. Sun Outdoors is a division of Sun Communities Inc., a publicly traded company which, as of September 30, 2021, owns, operates and has an interest in 584 developed manufactured home, RV and marina properties comprising over 155,900 developed sites and nearly 44,900 wet slips and dry storage spaces in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Sun Communities is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: SUI. suncommunities.com.
