Outdoor Afro

Meet Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a biologist and conservation strategist dedicated to protecting our oceans and ensuring environmental justice for coastal communities. ???? ???? Dr. Johnson spent her summers by the ocean initiated a lifelong love for marine life. In 2018, she co-founded the Urban Ocean Lab—an organization that cultivates rigorous, creative, equitable, and practical climate and ocean policy for the future of coastal cities. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson continues to inspire us to take action to protect our planet’s waters and fight for climate solutions that benefit everyone. ??? Head to the link below to learn about few other Black women who have broken barriers and paved the way for more accessible outdoor spaces! https://lnkd.in/gTiCqfnq #InternationalWomensDay #TrailblazingWomen #OutdoorAfro #BlackWomenInNature

?? Meet Audrey Peterman, one of the leading advocates for diversity in public lands. Growing up in Jamaica, she was always immersed in the beauty of the outdoors and developed an early connection to nature. When she moved to the United States, she was shocked to see a drastic lack of Black representation in national parks and conservation efforts. Peterman has spent decades traveling to, advocating for, and promoting national parks, speaking out about the need for inclusion, and pushing for policies that make these spaces more welcoming for all communities. ???? Her work has influenced policies and inspired many to engage with and protect natural spaces. ??? Head to the link below to learn about few other Black women who have broken barriers and paved the way for more accessible outdoor spaces! https://lnkd.in/gTiCqfnq #InternationalWomensDay #TrailblazingWomen #OutdoorAfro #BlackWomenInNature

Throwback to an unforgettable adventure in Moab! ?? Our Volunteer Leaders gathered in Moab, Utah for an epic Capstone adventure with Smartwool—exploring canyons, tackling mountain bike trails, and deepening connections in nature. Through every climb, jump, and ride, Smartwool’s durable and comfy socks kept us supported every step of the way. ?? Here’s to celebrating Black joy and community in the outdoors—and to many more adventures ahead! ?? Read more about this amazing trip at the link below. https://lnkd.in/ggUwuP7s

This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating a few Black women who have broken barriers and paved the way for more accessible outdoor spaces. From conservationists and mountaineers to environmental activists and marine biologists, these trailblazers have helped shape the way we all connect with nature today. ?????? Head to our blog to learn more about who they are and how they inspire us to keep pursuing our mission to change the narrative of who can recreate in the outdoors and re-strengthen Black connections to land, water, and wildlife: https://lnkd.in/gTiCqfnq Who inspires you? Tag them in the comments! ?? #InternationalWomensDay #TrailblazingWomen #OutdoorAfro

Swimming is more than a skill—it’s empowerment. ?? If you're new to the water or supporting someone on their journey, our latest blog shares 5 essential poolside tips to build confidence and ease. Learn how Outdoor Afro’s Making Waves program is creating more opportunities for Black communities to connect with swimming. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gF2zsZWR

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? A quick 10-minute break outside can make a huge difference in your day. Here’s why stepping into nature is the easiest (and free!) reset: 1?? Lowers Stress – Nature helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes relaxation. 2?? Boosts Focus – Just a short break outdoors can improve attention and creativity. 3?? Improves Mood – Fresh air + movement = a natural mood booster! 4?? Supports Your Health – Being outside lowers blood pressure and improves overall well-being. So take a breath, step outside, and let nature do its thing. How will you get your 10-minute reset today? ?? #OutdoorAfro #StressRelief #MentalHealth #NatureReset

Outdoor Afro’s Making Waves Swimmership (swim scholarships) is back to help Black families build confidence and joy in the water! Since 2019, this program has provided access to swim lessons, tackling barriers and creating a new legacy of safety and connection. ??????♂? This year, we’re helping 1,500 more Black children and caregivers learn this life-saving skill—will you be one of them? Apply for a Swimmership now for up to $200 per student ($400 per family) toward swim lessons! ?? Learn more and apply! https://bit.ly/3yXUjwX #MakingWaves #OutdoorAfro #SwimScholarship #SwimSchool

We're #hiring a new Operations & Development Assistant in Oakland, California. Apply today or share this post with your network.

If you haven't already, meet Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp ?? Raised on a ranch in Northern California, Rue grew up immersed in the beauty of the great outdoors. As she got older, she noticed how unique her childhood experiences of fishing, hiking, and exploring nature were compared to other Black Americans. That realization sparked the idea for Outdoor Afro. In 2009, Rue launched a blog to detail her experiences in nature in the hopes of connecting more Black Americans to nature. What started as a passion project has grown into the national not-for-profit we all know and love today. This is just one of many stories to remind us that Black leadership in nature is deeply rooted in our history. Head to our Black History Month 2025 page to learn more about three other Black change-makers that have inspired the work we do! https://lnkd.in/gTsUYDg7 #outdoorafro #BHM25 #blackhistorymonth #blackconservationalists #natureconservation #RueMapp

??? Big news! Our Founder & CEO, Rue Mapp, was live on KTVU Fox 2’s The Nine as part of Giving Day! She shared why connecting black communities to the great outdoors is so important—especially as we celebrate Black History Month. ???? Catch the segment and learn more about how you can get involved in the work we do to honor the power of nature, community, and Black joy in the outdoors! https://lnkd.in/gniMebQK #OutdoorAfro #BlackHistoryMonth #GivingDay