Nature is beautiful. And everyone has a right to enjoy the outdoors. But because of our black history, African Americans aren’t as many as other people in the outdoors. To attract more people of color, and especially those of African heritage, several black outdoor organizations are leading the fight for diversity.
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With the understanding that when people spend time outdoors, they feel connected, learn, and develop skills while enjoying nature, we have listed for you seven black outdoor organizations.
1. Outdoor Afro
As one of the prominent black-owned outdoor organizations in the United States, Outdoor Afro seeks to promote black leadership and expose black people to outdoor activities and nature. The not-for-profit entity has branches in 42 cities with about 80 leaders in the U.S.
The organization has programs that offer recreation, education and conservation. And they enhance African Americans’ and all black people healing and joy in the outdoors. They have a pool of local participants, volunteer leaders and committed supporters.
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2. Soul Trak
Tyrhee Moore founded Soul Trak in 2018 to connect people of color with recreational areas and nature’s green spaces. The non-profit black-led organization is based in D.C. and seeks to make people take an interest in public lands.
According to Soul Trak, an outdoor setting can bring people from different backgrounds while instilling life lessons. Such a setting can also help in skills development and the nurturing of a sense of outdoor responsibility.
3. GirlTrek
As a women-focused organization, GirlTrek seeks to address systematic racism and intergenerational trauma and change the lives of black people. The women coordinate walking teams and rally communities to join advocacy initiatives.
The walks aim to and self-care help heal and change the lives of people of color.
4. Black Outside Inc.
With the aim of influencing the youth on matters to do with the outdoors, Black Outside Inc. focuses on bringing diversity to the outside world while ensuring the safety of African or African American young adventurers.
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Acknowledging the people who came before us, the organization is non-profit and operates in Texas.
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5. Black Folks Camp Too
This organization’s main aim is to encourage people of African heritage to venture outdoors and join other people in the fun. Black Folks Camp Too identifies what issues prevent black folks from engaging in outdoor activities and make an effort to break these barriers for the black community.
6. Black Kids Adventure
Black Kids Adventure is a 2011 not-for-profit organization that helps people of color, brown and black families get exposure to outdoor escapades.
Pioneered by Zenolva and George Stephens, the establishment cover families in and out of Alabama. They envision a world where black and brown families will connect more to the outdoors because they feel comfortable being there. As a result, their kids will grow to love outdoor adventures.
7. The National Brotherhood of Skiers
Ben Finley and Art Clay founded The National Brotherhood of Skiers to rally support for African American skiers. The first event was in Aspen, and it’s thought to be the very first summit.
It has clubs spread out in the United States, and most are predominantly black. They will hold regional events in the mid-west region between 13 to 17 December, 2023. And they plan to start other events in the Eastern and Western regions.
African American outdoor activists, through their black outdoor organizations, are encouraging more African Americans to engage with nature. They’re fighting for diversity in the outdoors. They wish for black descendants to spend their time outdoors and enjoy the benefits that tag along. The black outdoor organizations’ fight for diversity is a call for African Americans to include outdoor adventures in their diaries.
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