Join Outdoor Afro March Match-ness!
Make a Slam Dunk for
Outdoor Afro!
We are over the moon to announce that we have a challenge grant from two generous donors.
They have pledged together to match your giving for Outdoor Afro dollar for dollar up to $10,000 starting this week!
Funds will be used to provide training and support for our Outdoor Afro leadership program that helps thousands of people around the country connect to nature each year!
Click to make your tax-deductible donation TODAY, and check for updates on our Facebook page to follow our progress!
Thank you!
Rue Mapp
Founder and CEO
A Proud Preservation: The Pullman Porters Role in Creating Chicago's First National Park
By Viva Yeboah, Outdoor Afro Chicago
"Salvation for a race, nation or class must come from within. Freedom is never granted; it is won. Justice is never given; it is exacted. Freedom and justice must be struggled for by the oppressed of all lands and races, and the struggle must be continuous, for freedom is never a final act, but a continuing evolving process to higher and higher levels of human, social, economic, political, and religious relationships." --- A. Philip Randolph, Founding President of The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Civil Rights Activist
On February 19th, President Obama signed a proclamation designating three new sites: Chicago Pullman District, Honouliuli Internment Camp and Colorado Browns Canyon as national parks and monuments. For Outdoor Afro and especially Outdoor Afro Chicago this is a big celebration!
For years community leaders have pushed to make Pullman a national park, achieving Chicago Landmark District and National Historic Landmark designations along the way. Preserving Pullman's dynamic history ensures the legacy is passed to future generations.
The Pullman neighborhood was the first industrial town in the US and has a powerful history of labor movements. In the late 1800s, newly freed African-Americans migrated to Chicago for job opportunities with the Pullman Rail Car Company as porters, servants and maids. This employment stimulated the development of Chicago's vibrate African-American middle class community. Though their jobs were glamorized, employees were mistreated, paid low wages and worked long hours. Understanding the need to protect their rights, one of the first African-American labor unions, The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was formed. In 1937, the union won a historic labor agreement, ensuring increase wages and gained charter from the American Federation of Labor.
Decades later, Pullman is still a neighborhood with residents committed to community. Throughout the county, investments are being made into outdoor recreation, conservation and stewardship; from the growth in urban farming, the Millennium plan by Forest Preserve of Cook County, to the investments in restoration and stewardship projects in the Calumet region. The Pullman District becoming a national park is now the highlight of many things currently taking place in Chicago. National monument status assists in protecting areas and growth in local economies. Chicago philanthropists raised close to $8 million in supporting community led efforts to make Pullman District a national monument. With these investments, communities will hope to see employment opportunities, increase in tourism, growth in local businesses and property value increases.
National parks and monuments provide the full circle experience where we connect to our history, nature and each other. What has fascinated me are the stories of migration and resistance. I have lived in Chicago for several years. I grew up in metro Atlanta and my parents are Ghanaian. Listening and reading migration stories gives light to the historical movement of humans. We move for better opportunities, safety, desire to redefine oneself, growth, resources and much more. The Pullman District provides many of these stories.Outdoor Afro Chicago is looking forward to sharing the vast stories and experiences of the Pullman District through community rides, bird watching, neighborhood tours and other activities.
Visit National Pullman Porter museum, http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com, and Pullman Historical society, pullmanil.org for more information. Also read a great interview with Sherry Williams of Bronzeville Historical Society on their efforts of preserving Pullman district black history, goo.gl/r5MpkC.
Join Outdoor Afro Chicago meetup for upcoming events: meetup.com/Outdoor-Afro-Chicago
Celebrate Black History Month with Outdoor Afro
Join us in living and remembering Black History this February and every month of the year
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
On Saturday February 7, 2015 Outdoor Afro Richmond Virginia hosted a “Healing Hike" in York River State Park. This hike was part of Outdoor Afro’s nationwide campaign to engage as a community in solidarity activities with Ferguson and New York City. It is in the same spirit as similar Outdoor Afro events in Seattle, Chicago, Louisville, Washington DC, and Oakland, CA. And it honored our belief that nature is just as important to our living history as it is to our past.
Every February, Black History is commemorated and celebrated in schools, churches, political speeches, and art exhibitions. During this month, we sing louder and dance harder to the music of Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, and Sista Monica Parker. We reread speeches and biographies of political heroes including Bayard Rustin, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, A. Phillip Randolph, and Fannie Lou Hamer. And we contemplate the living history embodied in Barack and Michelle Obama, Janet Mock, Serena Williams, and the #BlackLivesMatter Movement. We also head outside to honor Black Americans who used the outdoors to break barriers including Harriet Tubman, "hikers" in the Selma to Montgomery March, Expedition Denali, and the 25th Infantry U.S. Army Black Bicycle Corps .
Since we were founded, Outdoor Afro has inspired nature lovers, kayakers, climbers, campers, fishermen and women, and picnickers to use every day in nature as a time to contemplate the accomplishments and relevance of Black History, and 2015 is no different. In January, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles headed to the Santa Monica Mountains to hike to a waterfall in Soulstice Canyon and visit the ruins of a home designed by renown African-American architect Paul Williams.
This February, we are issuing a special invitation for you to join us on Black history month inspired events around the country:
February 14, 2015
Outdoor Afro Washington DC will gather at the Fredrick Douglas National Historic to celebrate the abolitionist's 197th birthday. They’ll participate in day long activities including walking tours of Fredrick Douglas’ house and historic Anacostia neighborhood.
Outdoor Afro Chicago will grab their snowboards and alpine skis and "get their Andre Horton and Bonnie St. John on" at Devils Head Resort.
February 15, 2015
Outdoor Afro Bay Area will gather in the Presidio of California for a four-mile hike and history lesson Buffalo Soldiers’ roots in San Francisco.
February 21, 2015
Join 50 members of the Outdoor Afro Los Angeles team as they create their own history hiking Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail.
February 22, 2015
Outdoor Afro Louisville will do an urban hike along the Chickasaw Heritage trail and learn about the Chicksaw Park’s important role in the de-segregation of Kentucky’s parks. Due to inclement weather this event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Outdoor Afro Bay Area will do hike along San Francisco's coast to the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, they will picnic on the beach and discuss the local influence of poet Maya Angelou, civil rights hero John Harris, and black whaling boat Captain William P. Shorey.
February 28, 2015
Outdoor Afro North Carolina will visit historic Stagville. They will see the remnants of one of the largest plantations in the pre-Civil War South and hike on trails named for the enslaved Black Americans who used to live there.
Outdoor Afro Minneapolis will lace up their skates and learn the history of the Colored Hockey League.
Outdoor Afro Seattle will convene at Seward Park for a day of food and fellowship in nature.
Don't see an event near you? Tweet/facebook/instagram photos of you enjoying Black History Month in nature using hashtag #outdoorafro. And stay tuned for some exciting news about our expansion of the Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Now Recruiting: 2015 Fellows to Join the National Outdoor Afro Leadership Team!
Outdoor Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers and Community Leaders Across the Country Are Encouraged to Apply
*Do you enjoy hiking, birdwatching, camping, kayaking, skiing, gardening, barbecuing or other recreational outdoor activities?
*Do you have a passion for inspiring community in the outdoors?
*Are you interested in creating, sharing and implementing strategies to reconnect African Americans to nature?
*Would you like to join a nationally recognized network of African American outdoor professionals?
If these questions resonate with you, APPLY TODAY to join the 2015 Outdoor Afro Leadership Team.
About the Fellowship Program
Launched in 2011, the Outdoor Afro Leader Fellowship promotes a strong sense of community among leaders around the country through a shared vision of reconnecting African Americans with the nature.
Supported in partnership with REI, Keen Shoes, Sierra Club, Klean Kanteen, the Kapor Center for Social Impact and other supporters, the fellowship provides professional support, coaching, and outdoor skills development training to individuals interested in celebrating and increasing the presence of African Americans in the outdoors. Fellows help expand the national Outdoor Afro social and nature network by leading trips, sharing experiences via social media, and forging partnerships with relevant outdoor organizations and groups. Leaders exercise thoughtful engagement that, in 2014 alone, convened more than 2,000 African Americans in the outdoors.
Meet the Fellows
Outdoor Afro Leadership Fellows are team of motivated individuals from around the country deeply connected to the outdoors and committed to celebrating and increasing the presence of African Americans in nature.
In 2015, Outdoor Afro will emphasize recruitment of leaders to join our Chicago, Los Angeles, North Carolina, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Seattle based leadership teams. Motivated individuals from the New York, Mid-West, and Pacific Northwest regions are also strongly encouraged to apply.
What Our Members Say About Outdoor Afro Leadership Fellows
“Wonderful, chill group of people who enjoy nature! Who could ask for more? Viva is an amazing leader! She walked with everyone and keep us on point, but also let us do our own thing when we wanted! Great work, V! ”— Shirley M. Member, Outdoor Afro Chicago
“I'm thrilled Beky is willing to create such amazing experiences for complete strangers. ” -Lakisha, Member, Outdoor Afro North Carolina
“This group ROCKS! Clay is by far a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, passion and energy. Everyone had something to share, whether it be encouragement, humor or just good old fashioned kindness, and the vibe among those in attendance was positively genuine. I really felt welcome and it was such a blessing to be in the company of folks who love and participate in outdoor leisure activities.”— Karen B, Member, Outdoor Afro San Francisco Bay Area.
How to Apply
Here is what we require:
- Facilitate a minimum 1 OA sponsored event every month
- Participate in a monthly conference call with other OA Leaders
- Develop two new OALT ambassadors in your region
- Live within 50 miles of an REI store
Leader perks include:
- Select FREE premium gear and supplies from sponsors KEEN Shoes, REI, Klean Kanteen, and more!
- 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. Complete the application— submit via email by Friday, January 31 and participate fully in the interview process via phone and video conference calls.
2. Be available for a mandatory in–person training from April 23-25, 2015 at National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown,West Virginia (transportation not included).
3. The 2015 Class of Outdoor Afro Leaders will be confirmed and announced in March 2015.
Special Call
Outdoor Afro is strongly interested in leaders who can join our Chicago, Los Angeles, North Carolina, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Seattle based leadership teams. Motivated individuals from the New York, Mid-West, and Pacific Northwest regions are also strongly encouraged to apply.
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected]
ARE YOU THE NEXT OUTDOOR AFRO LEADER FOR YOUR REGION? APPLY TODAY!
Sustainable Celebrations: Creatively Incorporating Nature in Our Holidays
by Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk
As the daughter of a fisherman, repurposing was a big part of my upbringing. Cleaned fish carcasses went into the crab pots. Outgrown t-shirts were used as rags to unhook slimy, squirmy Catfish. Driftwood was rescued and incorporated into my mother’s artistic creations. And at the end of every December, we still gather around our Christmas tree and haul it out to the backyard. My Dad walks the tree down the "plank" (also called a fishing pier) and with a quick push, into the water it goes. We always watch it submerge with smiles on our faces, thinking about how this tree would attract the fish that we like to catch in the summer months. It's one of my family’s favorite holiday traditions.
On Saturday, Outdoor Afros gathered at Pollinate Farm and Garden to creatively repurpose nature into our seasonal decorations. Using locally grown materials, including fallen Eucalyptus and Magnolia leaves, rosemary, dried pomegranates, Juniper shrubs, dried chilies, walnuts, acorns and Douglas firs, we assembled holiday wreaths. While everyone’s creation was unique, they shared the green brilliance and the fresh fragrance of Bay Area nature.
We were a group of longtime friends, a beekeeper, a gardener, a mother and daughter team, and individuals who drew inspiration from our environment and our family traditions. As we worked, we discussed the ways and reasons we practice sustainability during the holidays. One wreath maker reflected on her preference for DIY gifts as a way of rebelling against the mass consumption and consumerism of this time of year. Another crafter shared her longtime tradition of buying potted trees, which she replants in her backyard immediately following Christmas.
In partnership with Klean Kanteen, Outdoor Afro is committed to divesting from single use plastics. Its a culture we live and encourage all year round and especially during the holidays. In addition to reusable water bottles, we love giving our loved ones Klean Kanteen mugs, cups, tumblers, and food containers. Instead of giving (single use plastic) gift cards, we go to our local REI with the intended recipient and thus, personalize the experience of picking out the present. When we attend holiday parties, we bring our potluck items in reusable dishes and drink eggnog and hot apple cider from reusable mugs instead of single use plastic containers. And whether it's a gift basket or a live green decoration, we buy locally grown, natural items because, as daughters of fisherman and as environmental stewards, we are mindful of how much single use plastic ends up in our oceans.
After we put the final touches on our wreaths, we admired each other’s use of color and integration of different materials. I got excited thinking about the way my wreath would naturally illuminate my home. And then I remembered another long standing repurposing tradition of my childhood: My Mom used (and still uses) my father’s fishing line to hang her wreaths. While my fresh creation fortunately will not have the faint smell of flounder or striped bass (no offense, Dad!), it will have the fragrance of Northern California, a recent, but beloved family connection.
We Need Nature Now More Than Ever
Call to Action
Join Outdoor Afros around the country on December 13th for a Healing Hike
#HealingHike
Right now we are living in times that are hard to understand. Recent events in Ferguson and in New York have re-opened wounds of fear and doubt that have divided our country, revealing riveting currents of pain and distrust.
These events touch me personally and professionally. As a mother of three brown children (two of them boys), and the aunt of several young adults in Oakland, California, I find myself holding them all tighter with alternating rage and despair, knowing my hope and love alone cannot defend them from a shape-shifting and potentially lethal enemy.
As the leader of an organization that strives to lower barriers of historic fears between people and nature, especially for people who look like me – how can I now reassure members that it's OK for our children to go outside to play or stroll, and that they will come home alive?
The weight of these concerns feels suffocating indeed.
Yet through it all, I still feel hopeful knowing we have at our disposal a variety of platforms to respond and press for change and justice. For instance at Outdoor Afro, we typically call out the ways nature teaches and heals us.
Throughout our history in the US, there are many examples of how our people have expressed our greatest societal needs in both the streets and in natural settings.
We recall how Harriet Tubman led our people with and through nature to help us find freedom. The March on Washington brought together thousands of all hues in a national park to demand civil rights. In recent years, #Occupy reclaimed and camped in city plazas around the country, calling on economic fairness. And today, we are protesting in nearly every major city in response to the grand jury decisions in Ferguson and New York City calling once again for justice because #BlackLivesMatter.
Photo: Debra Benton
Right now, our country is ailing, and I hold the belief that we can turn to nature to provide an important pathway toward our healing as we always have. So in keeping with tradition, and building off our own poignant Healing Hike in Oakland last week, Outdoor Afro leaders around the country call on friends, allies, and partners to join us December 13th for a day of healing in nature.
Locate your local Outdoor Afro network through Meetup.com; or simply get out with your friends, family, church, or local outdoor organization. Share how you are healing in nature to inspire others: Hashtag #HealingHike
We hope you will join us, but more importantly, we hope you find healing and hope during these challenging times for us all.
Beach Biking and Dancing
Who says you need to camp to enjoy nature?
Denene shares:
We're at Kiawah Island, on the coast of South Carolina. We are landlocked in Atlanta, so we always look forward to getaways to the beach, specifically the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, where we African Americans have such an incredible history. We knew we wanted to take in all of what nature has to offer on this beautiful island. More specifically, we wanted to ride bikes on the beach. So we did just that. The sun was high, the ocean was spirited, the sand was cool and we were one with her. Nature. We shouted. We ran. We laughed. We danced. We raced with the wind. And we loved every moment, knowing that right there on that sacred land, where our ancestors toiled and paid the heavy price, it was our duty to be... free.
Thank you Denene for sharing a slice of your vacation and fun with us!
Pumpkin Learning and Carving
By Outdoor Afro Leader Zoe Polk
So many wonderful smells, tastes, sights and adventures come to mind when we think of October! We take long drives to view the fall foliage. We get excited in heading to farms and picking our first apple off the tree. We review family recipes in preparation for festive feasts. We relish in wrapping our favorite cozy REI scarf around us. And we to pay tribute to all the wonderful ways pumpkins add color and joy to our month.
Outdoor Afro took part in the seasonal fun by joining with local business Pollinate Farm and Garden for a day of pumpkin learning and carving. Pollinate is general store committed to supporting and expanding the community of people interested in growing their own food by providing tools, supplies, and educational support. In a class co-taught by Pollinate founder Yolanda Burell and Outdoor Afro Leader Zoë Polk participants learned about the importance of pumpkins, squash and gourds in African diaspora and how pumpkins are grown, consumed and carved. We remembered that in 1896, Booker T. Washington the first President of the Tukegee Institute, hired botanist George Washington Carver to run the Tukegee Institute’s agriculture department. Both men believed that by growing their own food, including pumpkins, freed slaves could become self reliant and improve their quality of life.
Outdoor Afros also talked about the pumpkin as a gourd, and its role African and Caribbean musical instruments. We examined and played a Ghanian xylophone and noted how the gourds underneath made the sound resonate when we hit the keys.
In addition, Yolanda provided keys to a successful pumpkin harvest, including tips on seed planting depth and spacing as well as soil temperature and fertilizing. While pumpkins generally need a lot of space to spread, Yolanda taught us how to build structures to grow pumpkins vertically when space is limited. With this grounding information, Outdoor Afros headed to Pollinate’s beautiful backyard for some pumpkin carving.
After carefully selecting our pumpkins, we got to work getting our hands dirty and emptying the insides.
Yolanda explained the importance of using every part of the pumpkin- at Pollinate they use the “seeds and innards” to feed their chickens. Other Outdoor Afros described their recipes for roasting pumpkin seeds and turning them into a delicious snack. Once the insides had been removed, we picked up our tools, including serrated knifes, picks, power drills and stencils to make our own unique design.
There were smiles all around. And at the end of the day, everyone left with pumpkin to light up their October and their door steps.
On Taking Risks and National Parks
The national parks are our treasures, and I remain grateful for the multiple ways my organization, Outdoor Afro, and many others like it, have successfully partnered with park staff, scholars, and volunteers to help shift the visual representation and physical presence of who gets outdoors. Engaging more people around the country with the tremendous assets of our national parks serves to provide increased awareness and much needed future support of our precious resources.
I’m writing this in response to our friend, colleague, and Outdoor Afro Leader Teresa Baker’s open letter to National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis. We are especially proud of the efforts of Teresa, and others, who inspire many people as a passionate leader in our parks, following in the footsteps of Frank and Audrey Peterman, Shelton Johnson, Dr. Nina Roberts, and many more professionals and community advocates who have done the work and research for decades. The vital work of these essential leaders often occurs behind the scenes so our national parks and other public lands will be even more welcoming and relevant into the next century.
Since Outdoor Afro began connecting more people with our national parks, and to the outdoors broadly, we are thankful to have inherited a family of NPS staff who we have not only come to consider as allies and thought partners, but also friends. These professionals have led us to many NPS resources available that call out the cultural, historical, and recreational park experience in nature. We are proud to be a partner who helps share these opportunities through social media and a committed national outdoor leadership team.
Furthermore, when I have the privilege of working in Washington, DC at the Department of Interior, the managing agency of the NPS, our work is respected and heard. We maintain a valued space alongside an important variety of bright and committed champions who effectively move the needle forward, often through a bog of a slow-moving federal process.
However, there are indeed times when community organizations and the NPS do not feel aligned and there may not be a level of synergy that is desired. Without knowledge of the past, sufficient information about current efforts, or having a desired level of communication, such impediments may lead to unnecessary dissonance. Strategies abound and solutions are possible, many of which have been implemented year after year. Nonetheless, recent public comments in response to Teresa Baker’s open letter to NPS Director Jon Jarvis have drawn out many ardent concerns. The emergence of such discussion merely supports, and reveals, the continued need for action and to show greater progress.
In our mutual passion and focus to connect all people to our parks across the nation, it’s true that sometimes we do not agree or have the right staff capacity. We have differing tactics, strengths, and communication styles. Yet one thing is abundantly clear: we are all on the same side.
At Outdoor Afro, we have come to learn though our experience that meaningful connections to the natural world for everyone involves stepping out of comfort zones, relentlessly building new relationships, and most importantly: taking risks. For an outdoor participant, this might mean overcoming the fear of sleeping overnight in the wild, or welcoming others who may not look like you. For park professionals, it might mean finding common ground and building new alliances with a community organization that may not share your cultural background, or perhaps stepping up as a lone change agent in your workplace or local community.
While some might choose to amplify imperfections of the National Park Service, we might also be reminded that there is no single agency, organization, company, or community that cannot afford to do better. Additionally, we must be cautious to not blame or attack individual leaders but remember bigger issues needing to be addressed are systemic and involve multiple decision-makers. Therefore, perhaps a more generative start of our analysis might lead with a question such as: “Are the national parks headed in the right direction?” And, based on what has been accomplished in recent years with Outdoor Afro and many of our community allies, we believe they are, knowing there is much more we can all achieve and contribute.
Around the corner in 2016, America will celebrate the NPS centennial anniversary – and with an eye toward empathy and compassion we, at Outdoor Afro, are filled with tremendous hope. It is our conviction that we can, and should, continue to strengthen our work together to sustain all people, and our parks, for another 100 years and beyond.
Rue Mapp
Founder and CEO
A Special Birthday Message From Rue Mapp
Dear Friends,
This October, I celebrate my 43rd birthday. I am proud to share this number, as I mark each year as both a blessing and a triumph.
This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the blog I whimsically named Outdoor Afro. As you all know, that blog was a key in the door to a world that changed everything.
But three years ago, I decided to take an even bigger “jump” and dedicate my entire life to the service of getting more people who look like me into nature to help them live better, take care of the planet, and change the cultural conversation about who can get connected to the Great Outdoors.
As a single mom with three school-aged children living in the Bay Area, everyone thought I was nuts for leaving a well-paying job to pursue this passion! While there have been fleeting moments when that sentiment felt true, every fiber within pulls me in a certain direction toward a sense of truth and purpose.
It has been fun to share the journey with you all via social media, and on many Outdoor Afro events led by a team of amazing professionals from around the country who reach thousands. I also notice that there are more people enthusiastically getting out with more regional efforts, which I consider a shared success on the path toward the culture shift I hope to help achieve through Outdoor Afro.
I just can’t relate enough how tremendously grateful I am for all the cheers, organizational partnerships, friendships, and amazing recognition this work has provided. And especially, the pride my own children, Seth, Arwen, and Billy each share with everyone they meet.
But we are just getting started, and today Outdoor Afro needs you now more than ever to increase its impact.
It’s simple: we want to get more people back into nature.
So today, as my birthday wish, I invite you to rededicate or increase your commitment to Outdoor Afro’s work in three ways:
- Make a donation to Outdoor Afro
- Come to an Outdoor Afro event near you (no Afro required!)
- Spread the word to others
Newsflash!
We are so fortunate to have received a generous donation challenge and every dollar we raise this month will be matched up to $30,000!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our common cause. The best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
