5 facts you probably didn’t know about Outdoor Afro’s founder, CEO, public lands champion
She’s an awarded speaker, leader, and public lands champion. When Rue Mapp speaks, U.S. neighborhoods lean in a little bit closer to listen. Some start note taking. Others are ready to take local action. All in the name of strengthening relationships to outdoor recreation, conservation, and education. Her words of wisdom resonate with communities across the country. So in honor of “Women’s History Month,” we wanted to share more cool tidbits about our fearless founder, CEO, and author of “Nature Swagger.” Mapp has led Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature, for the past 15 years now. An innovative accomplishment in itself. We thought you would really enjoy hearing about these fun facts tied to Outdoor Afro’s mission work – and discover the foundation to her continuous ability to change the narrative in nature through a Black joy and leadership lens.
SHE GREW UP IN AN AGRICULTURAL FAMILY.
Southern-nurtured, California-raised, Mapp cultivated early bonds with nature from both rural and coastal viewpoints as a kid. Her family migrated west from the Jim Crow South in search of greater economic opportunities in America. Her dad: a true outdoorsman from East Texas. Her mom: a consummate Southern belle and homesteader from Louisiana. The two would have made the quintessential couple in those wild west Spaghetti Western days. Her family settled in the Oakland Hills, giving Mapp (a first-generation Californian) instant admission into the world of coastal redwoods. She spent her weekends at the 14-acre family farm her father bought and transformed into the ultimate outdoor getaway. Fruit trees, a bountiful garden, a tennis court, swimming pool, fishing holes, and hunting trips were everyday childhood adventures. The family also raised cattle and pigs for provisions. “Everything the family wanted to do in nature was available on that ranch,” says Mapp. “Everyone could visit and spend time there. It became my template for Outdoor Afro, and what welcoming and hospitality meant.” Her family’s land became an open invitation for multigenerational joy, togetherness, creativity, rest, healing, discovery and wonder.
SHE IS A OUTDOOR GEAR DESIGNER.
On the family farm is where Mapp learned from the elders traditional techniques to fishing, cooking, and even designing her own doll clothes. Her mother was a seamstress, who taught Mapp the basics to sewing. Mapp’s first shot as a fashion designer happened in the ’90s. She owned San Francisco-based bridal shop Rulette Wear. While making bridal dresses, she started designing outdoor gear for her snowboarding friends. In 2021, she returned to her fashion drawing board. This time with more knowledge about the differences apparel can make for the Black outdoor community. That same year, she founded for-profit enterprise Outdoor Afro, Inc., and launched a hike collection in collaboration with outdoor retailer REI Co-op to bring more universal styles to outdoor spaces. The initial 22-piece collection included fleece pullovers, polo shirts, graphic T-shirts, trail pants, hiking leggings, and hiking boots to solve for fit, function, fashion, and accessibility. A mashup of iconic ’80s and ’90s silhouettes with modern accents, the collection considers the range of body shapes and explores a broader range of fit modeling, bold colors, and materials that work with textured hairstyles.
SHE HAS EARNED A LOT OF NOTABLE NATURE RECOGNITIONS.
For more than a decade, Mapp has been recognized with mounds of distinctions and awards. She won the international Bessie Awards in the JourneyWoman category by global lifestyle and travel brand Wanderful during 2023. Two years prior, AFAR titled her as its 2021 Travel Vanguard Award recipient. Two years after that, she received the 2019 National Geographic Fellow, Heinz Awards Honoree in the environment category, and National Wildlife Federation Communication Award recipient (received alongside President Bill Clinton). During 2018, University of California, Berkeley, honored Mapp with the Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in Achievement by Young Alumni. Go back two more years, and The Roots selected her as “one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the country” for the second time. Her first time making this particular list happened in 2012. That same year, Hidden Villa honored her with its Josephine and Frank Duveneck Humanitarian Award. Outdoor Retailer — North America’s largest outdoor industry trade show – awarded Mapp its 2013 Inspiration Award in the business category. One of her earliest acknowledgements came from the National Wildlife Federation, which named her Wildlife Champion in 2011.
SHE SERVES AS A MENTOR TO MOST.
Mapp is a mother, newly minted grandmother, and everyone’s favorite auntie. The visionary founded Outdoor Afro in 2009 when she was also raising three children. She made sure each participated alongside her in network events as she grew her brand. Mapp shared with digital media brand Fatherly in 2022 exactly “What the World’s Greatest Adventurers Teach Their Kids," which she still applies today with extensions of her family tree. She continues to introduce the possibilities in outdoor fun with friends and family. Emphasizing hospitality and belonging with every experience. Teaching the importance of taking ownership in local land, water, and wildlife. “My children also learned early that everyone has to work together to produce high-quality experiences in nature,” she told Fatherly. Through Outdoor Afro, she has paved the way for the organization’s selected and trained volunteer leaders to guide their neighborhoods in nature safely and sustainably. Mapp also has opened community and digital doors for volunteers – and thousands of nature lovers and new adventurers – to develop wilderness, recreation, and life-saving skills; access safe, appropriate gear and equipment; free or discounted access to private outdoor spaces; and acquire historical and civics information to take better care of the public and community spaces we all love.
SHE ONCE WORKED IN FINE DINING.
A phenomenal cook, Mapp can whip up sweet-to-savory dishes by the campfire or in the kitchen. That finger-licking-good food. Interestingly, she spent two years in fine dining when she worked as a food server at Zuni Café in San Francisco, California, during her early 20s. Judy Rodgers, who owned Zuni Café at the time, was the protégé of Alice Waters – the owner of Chez Panisse and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant located in Berkeley, California. “Alice Waters is considered the mother of California cuisine,” said Mapp. “I found the work fascinating. Zuni Café had a menu that changed every day, twice a day. Working there helped me appreciate much of the food (soul food).” Primarily because that style reappeared on the restaurant menu and in mainstream American cuisine as part of the farm-to-table movement. Mapp still dines at Zuni Café to this day. One of the key pointers she learned from that job: the art of improvisation and flexibility with ingredients. On top of the value of using the freshest ingredients, including whole, minimally processed foods. At home, Mapp enjoys making gumbo and tomato sauce from scratch. When Mapp is cooking outdoors, she loves to prepare a large home-style breakfast – a pot of grits, bacon, eggs – over a stove or morning campfire. “It’s comforting to help folks wake up to the smells of a delicious breakfast,” she said. “The experience never disappoints.” Bonus tidbit: Mapp won a ribbon at the Alameda County Fair for her cornbread recipe. More about that morsel of delicious information another time.
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 organization. Outdoor Afro’s U.S. networks include nearly 100-plus volunteer leaders who guide nature activities in up to 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people annually. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Connect with @outdoorafro on social and visit outdoorafro.org to follow our year-round nature narratives.
What’s new at Outdoor Afro in 2024? Creating community impact starts with these 8 digital ports of call
Can you believe it? Outdoor Afro has nurtured transformative experiences and connections in nature for 15 years now. One thing is for sure: Our national not-for-profit organization reached 2024's "Year of Innovation" because of you. Longstanding and new social followers, loyal supporters, volunteer leaders, community participants, and outdoor partners have contributed to Outdoor Afro's wildest nature dreams to literally come true. Take for instance our participation network. Outdoor Afro's popular, year-round events across U.S. communities inspire approximately 60,000 people to join us annually for customized outdoor activities – family reunion-style.
Then, there’s our swim program, Making Waves. We rounded out 2023 funding more than 1,000 kids and caregivers to learn water safety and basic swimming techniques. Life-saving skills. All thanks to program believers like you. We’ve even certified up to 20 volunteer leaders to guide kayak and canoe trips safely and sustainably within the past two years. Newer community participants are ready for playdates to discover and travel neighborhood waterways for educational enjoyment. That said, a new year means new opportunities to create community impact together. If you don’t know where exactly to start, that’s A-OK. Below are 8 digital ports to join our journey. No matter where you plug in, you’re automatically contributing to our mission work to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature. Let’s get started:
1. SIGN UP FOR LOCAL NETWORK ACTIVITIES:
Outdoor Afro spans 32 states, including Washington, D.C. Networks are in roughly 60 U.S. cities. Our networks are your instant access to forming new friendships while exploring nature in your neighborhood or surrounding community. Through Outdoor Afro networks, you can participate in everything from group hiking, biking, boating, fishing, foraging, skiing, and paddling. Locate your Outdoor Afro region (Midwest, Northeast, South, or West) using the link below. From there, you can sign up for in-person Meetup events happening monthly. Our selected and trained team of volunteer leaders curate and guide these network adventures. Through Meetup, volunteer leaders keep you posted about event details and upcoming activities. Also, join your network’s designated Facebook page to build community, and continue to learn where exploration awaits with family and friends. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
2. VISIT OUR DIGITAL HOME:
We love when online guests pay us a visit. Stopping by outdoorafro.org helps you know exactly who we are, what we do in nature, and where we’re heading each year. As mentioned earlier, 2024 rings in our “Year of Innovation.” By clicking through our online home place, you will learn Outdoor Afro’s love story with nature, more about our Founder and CEO Rue Mapp, and the ones who work behind the scenes to ensure we’re fulfilling our mission. Our site also shares current partnerships, community programs, social media campaigns, and real-life stories that support our Black joy experiences taking place across neighborhoods nationwide. Have specific questions about our “why” in nature? Our site is your primary source to connect with the right digital resources. CLICK HERE TO KNOW OUR MISSION.
3. CONNECT ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA:
Nearly 170,000 Outdoor Afro followers like, comment, share, and take action from our social media updates and footage. Our almost daily dose of digital news, announcements, and achievements stem from your support. Our top social platforms include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Continuing to celebrate Outdoor Afro’s nature narratives, our genuine content is an opportunity to participate in digital to in-person activities with us and stay on top of organizational developments. Our award-winning Marketing & Communications Department shares powerful visuals and videos that offer fun gateways into outdoor recreation, conservation, and education with ease. CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US.
4. SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS:
By signing up for Outdoor Afro’s monthly eNewsletters, you’re getting first dibs about our nature wins. Your free copy is delivered straight to your email inbox, recapping that month’s success stories because of your generous support. Our eNewsletter will also notify you when future professional opportunities within our organization are available. And give you the heads up about upcoming partnerships and programs. Our news and notifications are designed so you can easily digest and keep a timely pulse on our organizational progress. Stay in the know about our community and nature work helping to strengthen relationships with local land, water, and wildlife. In addition to opening new outdoor career and professional development doors for you. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.
5. GIVE BACK TO NATURE:
Donating to Outdoor Afro helps us continue to reach our mission, which is to celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature. No amount is too big or small. Every contribution counts. You’re supporting our year-round programming more than you will ever know. When you donate (better yet, become a recurring donor), Outdoor Afro is able to provide our growing team of volunteer leaders – and the thousands of nature lovers and new adventurers who leaders guide in nature – with wilderness, recreation, and life-saving skills; safe, appropriate gear and equipment; free or discounted access to private outdoor spaces; and access to historical and civic information you can use to take care of the public and community spaces you love. When you donate, our Making Waves program can provide more kids and caregivers new opportunities to learn how to swim, save a loved one’s life, and leverage local resources – public swimming pools, beaches, rivers, and lakes. When you donate, we’re able to help neighborhoods expand outdoor recreational activities that become instrumental in pursuing healthier, joyful lifestyles. CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
6. SHOP OUR SHIRT COLLECTION:
It’s warmth that welcomes nature conversations with family and friends. Our co-branded shirt collection with Oakland-based partner Oaklandish comes with comfort for any and all outdoor adventures. The collection includes our signature short-sleeve shirts (in black and white), long-sleeve shirts (in black only), and hoodies (in black only). The fun part: The style options range from business slay to backpacker play. The bonus: Every purchase you make goes toward our charitable, not-for-profit work. CLICK HERE TO SHOP.
7. PARTNER TO UPLIFT BLACK COMMUNITIES:
We’re always open to forming meaningful relationships with people, communities, initiatives, and brands that share the same values we have about reconnecting Black people and Black communities to nature. Our amazing new and deep-rooted partnerships have helped our organization elevate and innovate for the past 15 years in the outdoors. Brands like REI Co-op, KEEN, CLIF® Bar, ENO, and Smartwool have become influential collaborators to educate new audiences about the collective difference we make across the United States. Introduce our audiences and readers to new outdoor products and services that benefit our neighborhoods. To learn more about our current partnership tiers, email [email protected] today. CLICK HERE TO VIEW COLLABORATORS.
8. READ AND RESHARE IMPACT STORIES:
The truth is: We’re confronted by gloom-and-doom headlines daily. The good news is that Outdoor Afro produces happy clappy content monthly that will leave you feeling so fuzzy wuzzy about tapping into the outdoors and pursuing healthier lifestyles. We produce original narratives so you’re honestly informed about people, places, and things tied to our mission work. Outdoor Afro’s blog features cover personal essays; product and partner reviews; insider nature knowledge; and human interest stories that salute the pioneering paths Black people and Black communities have carved out within the outdoor industry. From big cities to small towns. Our community programs and content have traveled the globe. Piqued the interest of media mogul Oprah Winfrey to tennis icon Venus Williams – who both have participated in our network activities. Our stories reinforce the Black experience in nature from an asset-framing lens. National to international media outlets like CBS, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel Weekly, AFAR, and Essence Magazine are a few prominent publications that have highlighted our organization throughout the past decade. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS STORIES.
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 organization. Outdoor Afro's U.S. networks include nearly 100-plus volunteer leaders who guide nature activities in up to 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people annually. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro @outdoorafro and outdoorafro.org.
2023 Holiday Gear Guide: 9 Outdoor Afro-recommended stocking stuffers for next year’s adventures
Outdoor Afro has tested and provided honest commentary to a great deal of gear and equipment. Throughout nearly 15 years of organizational existence, some have been a definite no. Others aight. Then, there are the keepers. As headquarter doors close to spend more time with family and friends this winter, Outdoor Afro's gift to you are a few nature goodies that top 2023's Holiday Gear Guide. Products staff, volunteer leaders, and community participants use and share frank feedback about across U.S. neighborhoods. Check out the brands highly endorsed for 2024 adventures connected to land, water, and wildlife. This list of both legacy and new brand partners goes beyond mere social collaborations. Outdoor Afro's here-and-now partnerships are true relationships – ones valued and cultivated to help communities make informed decisions about products and services that truly benefit a range of nature lifestyles.
CLIF BAR SNACKS
CLIF® Bar was born on a bike in 1990 and built with athletes in mind. The idea for a better-tasting bar was born. Today, CLIF® Bar continues to make organic, plant-based energy food. For nearly a decade, CLIF® Bar has been a proud partner of Outdoor Afro. CLIF® continues to grow its partnership with CLIF CORPS, an initiative where CLIF® Athletes donate their time and resources to support nonprofits that make the spaces where we live and play more accessible and inclusive. In 2022, professional tennis icon and CLIF® Athlete Venus Williams joined Outdoor Afro on a beach hike to experience our organizational mission: celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature. Williams and Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp met for the first time and both participated in a local Outdoor Afro beach hike held in Miami. Sharing their love of the outdoors at Virginia Key Beach. CLIF® Bar and Outdoor Afro believe people should feel proud to be who they are, wherever they are — on the court, trail, field, or elsewhere.
ENO HAMMOCKS
Shop and get ready to swing away with Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) colorful selection of hammocks. Our organization truly believes in the quality leisure experiences this gift can also afford you, family, and friends. In fact, Outdoor Afro received the fun opportunity to co-brand a limited-edition print with ENO not once. But twice. Together, we rolled out the Kili Mapp Kili. First in 2021, which sold out. Then, in 2022 for a fall relaunched that made its way to newer backyards and road trips that year. “I wanted people to feel warmth and joy every time they’re in this hammock,” said Leandra Taylor, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist behind the then in-demand design. Know that ENO designs hammocks that are portable, packable, and always adventure-ready with the latest design technology.
KEEN WATER SANDALS
KEEN inspires everyone to live with no ceiling. This family-owned, values-led maker of hybrid footwear – sandals, boots, and sneakers – produces more than products. The care KEEN puts behind each shoe is a true experience that positively impacts our planet. Better known as the KEEN Effect. KEEN responsibly creates original and versatile products designed to fit the diverse lifestyles of its fans at work and play. The shoe creator has been an Outdoor Afro legacy partner since 2012. The time-honored partnership segued into a water sandal collaboration in 2021 to help bring awareness about our Making Waves program. Launched in 2019, this life-saving, water-nurturing program helps every child and their caregiver within our sphere of influence learn how to swim. This year, Outdoor Afro set an ambitious goal to teach 1,000 children and guardians water safety and basic swim techniques. Our Programs Department is happy to report: Outdoor Afro hit the splash mark because of supporters like you.
KLEAN KANTEEN THERMOS
This gear has filled up Outdoor Afro volunteer leader adventure kits for years. Klean Kanteen offers colors that pop in nature, but it’s the durability for us. Especially for those longer hikes, bumpier bike rides, and multi-day camping trips across our regions. Ninety-five percent of Klean Kanteen’s products are made with recycled steel. The family- and employee-owned B Corp lives for big ideas and the boldest of moves to produce quality outdoor gear. Another legacy partner of Outdoor Afro, Klean Kanteen donates to our year-round programs. The brand also helps ensure our volunteer leaders and community participants know how to make healthy, eco-friendly choices before going outside. “We choose partners who believe in the work we’re doing and want to support that work,” said Mapp. “We prefer ‘trust partnerships’ like the one we have with Klean Kanteen, where they offer a combination of financial resources, in-kind support, and amplification of our message. This is so important to us. We truly believe that impact arises out of relationships, not just financial donations.”
OUTDOOR AFRO x OAKLANDISH SHIRT COLLECTION
It’s our not-for-profit organization’s coziest collection. Co-branded with longtime community partner Oaklandish, our signature shop of tees, hoodies, and long-sleeve tops are comfortable conversation pieces. A year ago this month, the collection relaunched with only Outdoor Afro's most popular shirts. These shirts are gifts that keep on giving, too. Know that each purchase continues to support core year-round programming. You can also become a repeat holiday helper here. “We recognized early that our community loves our logo, and wants to represent it loud and proud,” said Mapp. “Having a merch store is a fun and accessible way for our community to continue to support our charitable work. As a longstanding collaborator, we’re ever more excited to now embark on this new chapter of collaboration with Oaklandish.”
OUTDOOR AFRO INC. x REI-CO-OP HIKE COLLECTION
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) believes a life outdoors is a life well-lived. That it’s in the wild, untamed, and natural places that people find their best selves, so its purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Since 1938, REI has been the local outdoor co-op working to help people experience the transformational power of nature. Another legacy partner for Outdoor Afro, the co-op brings top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside, and outdoor experiences to enjoy independently or share with loved ones. In 2021, for-profit enterprise Outdoor Afro, Inc. (corporate partner of not-for-profit Outdoor Afro), came online and co-created a hike collection with the co-op that debuted September 2022. The multi-year, universal collection offers electric hike fits for all body types and neighborhood experiences.
SMARTWOOL SOCKS
Restock your sock collection with comfy styling options co-created by our heritage partner, and global sock and apparel brand Smartwool. Its Merino wool socks feature a Virtually Seamless™ Toe to prevent chafing; 4 Degree™ Elite Fit System to stop bunching, blisters, or sock slippage; Indestructawool™ for unmatched durability; and mesh venting for maximum breathability and moisture management. Our organization had the chance to collaborate with Smartwool on two Outdoor Afro Hike Zero Cushion Print Crew Socks in previous years. “Slice of Nature” socks in 2020 and a “Black Joy” in nature collage socks in 2022 that launched on the heels of our then second annual Juneteenth commemoration.
STANLEY COOKWEAR
Stanley products have literally traveled on oodles of American outdoor adventures for more than 100 years now. The brand has powered daily coffee breaks. Assisted meal prep days in nature. Provided the right amount of storage gear for food and beverages (on and off the road). With each passing year, Stanley continues to innovate, bringing timeless and modern solutions for outdoor exploration to backyard chill sessions. Outdoor Afro champions brands like Stanley for helping to build more sustainable communities through modern, reusable products. Through Outdoor Afro camping events that take place throughout each year, volunteer leaders, network participants, the organization’s staff, use Stanley products to make outdoor cooking creations easier to manage.
YAKIMA RACKS
Outdoor Afro participants across our U.S. networks love a good neighborhood bike hike – whether it's in the form of leisure, mountain, or road cycling. For avid cyclists who join our bike rides, we highly recommend Yakima’s single to multiple rack options for regular riders. Why? Because we literally use them ourselves. Since 2012, our partnership with Yakima has traditionally included leadership education about how to use its gear and equipment easily and safely. Yakima affords durable designs for off-road, eBikes, and even RV travels. For “power” explorers, Yakima supplies snow, water, and basecamp equipment to prepare for 2024 Outdoor Afro trips with us as well. *Illustrations by Dajah Callen.
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 organization. Outdoor Afro's U.S. networks include nearly 100-plus volunteer leaders who guide nature activities in up to 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people annually. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro @outdoorafro and outdoorafro.org.
Outdoor Afro's corporate partner, Outdoor Afro Inc., drops electrifying colors with REI
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – The “hike fits made to move with every body” are back with high-voltage hues and universal designs to accommodate outdoor adventurers traveling near and far this summer. “For a second season, we’re breaking design barriers,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp, who also founded for-profit enterprise Outdoor Afro, Inc. “Inc.’s summer 2023 hike collection co-created with REI Co-op is an extension of last year’s vibrant colors, functional styles, and fits made with every single body in mind.” The 2023 color drop pops with the introduction of halcyon blue and violet blossom into the hike collection’s fleece pullovers, shell jackets, trail pants, shorts, and tops.
Like the original launch, these newer collection pieces include hike styles that still consider wider ranges of body types, shapes, sizes, and original graphics. Outdoor Afro, Inc. x REI Co-op launched the technical hike apparel September 2022 with hues like papaya, teal glaze, and shoreline gold leading the pioneering co-collaboration. Working closely with Black people and Black communities to understand outdoor product needs, Outdoor Afro, Inc. and REI Co-op developed a 22-piece hike line that brings inclusive design to the forefront. That solves unmet design needs in outdoor gear and equipment.
Mapp’s relationship with the co-op started 14 years ago through her national not-for-profit organization Outdoor Afro. Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. REI Co-op is an outdoor specialty retailer that connects every person to the power of the outdoors. Together, the brands share an enduring relationship. "Outdoor Afro and Outdoor Afro Inc. continue to help us expand our inclusive design practices and bring collections that are designed to inspire more people to join us outside” said Isabelle Portilla, vice president, REI Co-op brands. “This second chapter of our hike collection add vibrant colors to inspire joy in nature for everyone.”
During 2021, Mapp established for-profit Outdoor Afro, Inc., which celebrates and inspires Black connections to the outdoors through product design, manufacturing, sales, and experiences. Today, both Inc. and REI serve as corporate partners of not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. Last year’s hike collection launched the Inc. and co-op business collaboration. The co-created project also introduced Mapp’s for-profit business and her as an innovative outdoor gear designer.
WGSN, a global consumer trend forecaster, fancied the hike collection so much that it highlighted the universal styles as part of the predictor’s 2025 “Big Ideas” fashion report. This report underscores six need-to-know directions that will impact the industry that year. WGSN featured the collection as an “Urgent Optimism” big idea. “That’s the beauty of each fit,” said Mapp. “The collection is informed by more than a decade of relationship-building with REI and cultivating meaningful conversations with today’s outdoor enthusiasts connected to our brands. The results: all-embracing designs for our various hiking lifestyles.”
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 on social @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO INC.: The for-profit business celebrates and inspires Black community connections to the outdoors through relevant product design, manufacturing, sales, and outdoor experiences. To learn more, visit @outdoorafroinc on social media.
ABOUT REI CO-OP: REI is a specialty outdoor retailer headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.
*Photos by Meron Menghistab (@meron_photo)
Outdoor Afro Founder, CEO Rue Mapp wins Bessie Awards
Outdoor industry entrepreneur and globetrotter Rue Mapp won the 2023 Bessie Awards in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s electrifying tapestry of African, Spanish, and indigenous culture. “When I heard my name, my team and I were completely elated and squealing with gratitude,” said Mapp, founder and CEO of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro. “My fellow nominees are so extraordinary. It was an honor to simply be in their company." She joined filmmaker/explorer Céline Cousteau and sustainable luxury expert Juliet Kinsman in the lifetime achievement JourneyWoman category. Mapp earned the fifth annual award at the 10th annual Women in Travel (WITS) Creator Summit held May 20 at Caribe Hilton. Global lifestyle brand Wanderful hosted the traveling marketing summit and evening ceremony.
Hundreds of Wanderful’s international collective of travelers and travel content creators rooted Mapp up to the stage to receive the first-ever win for her and her organization. The Bessie Awards honors women of impact in travel – particularly influencers, creative entrepreneurs, marketers, and other representatives who have contributed unique voices and work to the travel industry. As the JourneyWoman winner, Mapp joins a new community of travelers who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to making the travel industry better. The category commemorates the late Evelyn Hannon, who founded the world’s original solo travel publication JourneyWoman in 1994. With more than 60,000 subscribers, JourneyWoman became the largest publication for women over the age of 50 who travel across the planet. It’s co-created with and represents the voices of mature women for almost 30 years.
During 2019, now CEO and Editor Carolyn Ray acquired JourneyWoman. Travel trade platform TravelPulse named Ray as one of the most influential women in travel March 2023. Unable to attend the awards to present the honor, Ray shared a virtually recorded message to JourneyWoman finalists. She thanked Mapp, Cousteau, and Kinsman for their contributions to the travel industry. JourneyWoman also conducted a recent study that showed 70 percent of women above age 50 don’t feel seen or understood by the travel business. A missed opportunity for the trade to build relationships with these women and improve the types of travel experiences offered worldwide.
“While I'm grateful for this prestigious recognition, I’m hopeful that this win will inspire other women to embrace the unprecedented opportunities we have today,” Mapp said. “These opportunities make it possible for more women of all ages and backgrounds to embrace a fulfilling and impactful career in the outdoor, travel, and tourism industries.” These findings are why women like this year’s sisterhood of finalists are significant to both travel and tourism conversations. The Bessie Awards uplifted these 2023 category winners spanning the globe as well: Collaborator of the Year: Switzerland Tourism x The Wanderlust Within; Creator of the Year: Olivia Christine Perez; Social Impact Award: International Black Women Travel Jubilee; Trailblazer Award: Jessica Serna (My Curly Adventures); Travel Startup of the Year: Fora; Most Impactful Piece of Writing: “Why You Shouldn’t Cancel Your Upcoming Trip to Puerto Rico” by Jen Ruiz; Wanderful Award: wmnsWORK; and Inclusion Award: Together Outdoors, Grant Program.
Together Outdoors won the Inclusion Award, which was a category shared by finalist Hurtigruten Group’s Black Travel Advisory Board. Mapp became a founding member of that board. Through it, she embarked on an 18-day Antarctica voyage February 2022 to help drive change and new opportunities for Black people in the adventure cruise industry. Its goal is to continue to increase visibility and inclusivity of Black travelers while heading to Norway summer 2023. Along with a successful Bessie Awards experience, Wanderful celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. As its Puerto Rico summit concluded Sunday May 21, Founder and CEO Beth Santos shared a toast with participants and surprised them with WITS 2024 destinations: Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah, from April 12 to April 14.
Wanderful reaches more than 100 million women worldwide each year. Its hybrid online/offline membership community launched in 2020. The community offers women the chance to make lifelong travel connections both at home and abroad through an exclusive 24/7 member app; a global hosting network; local chapter events in cities around the globe; and professional and travel webinars hosted by resident experts. The following figures about women travelers prompted Santo to build the brand: women make up 80 percent of travel decisions; two out of three travelers are women; the number of women-only travel companies has increased 230 percent in the past six years; 11 percent of the travel industry includes solo women; and $800 billion is spent by solo women on their travels.
And the late Bessie Coleman knew exactly how it felt to trail blaze the travel and aviation industries alone in early 20th-century America. She became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license. Because flying schools in the United States denied her entry, she taught herself French, moved to France, and earned her license from France's well-known Caudron Brother's School of Aviation in just months. Mapp is an awarded and inspirational leader, speaker, public lands champion, outdoor gear designer, and published author. The Oakland, California, native pioneered 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.
Over the years, Mapp has been recognized with many 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 Essence, EBONY, The New York Times, Good Morning America, NPR, NBC’s TODAY, Forbes, Oprah Winfrey, and “MeatEater” with Steven Rinella. “In the spirit of Bessie Coleman – a trailblazer and pioneer – let us remember that our work is far from done,” said Mapp during her Wanderful acceptance speech. “Together, we can conquer the skies, overcome challenges, and realize our dreams. With unwavering determination and a commitment to helping communities thrive, we can make a transformative impact.”
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. 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. Details here.
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.