Beyond The Trail: Community And Connection With Outdoor Afro

Picture it—your feet running through grass; tiny hands trailing tadpoles in a slow moving stream; the faint and familiar smells that bring us closer to the landscape and the people we share it with. Learning how to experience the outdoors is intergenerational, while a love for it is an inherent gift from our ancestors. An instinctual, sensory recollection is what connect us to nature, and allows feelings of joy and nostalgia from those connections. The beauty is that although we no longer carry everything our parents and grandparents taught us as children, the knowledge isn't lost—and every person has a story to tell. 

Historically, Black people have always held a powerful connection to land, water, and wildlife. Our ancestors were prolific stewards and guardians to a sanctuary of knowledge in environmental protection. Many of whom, inspired by Earth’s design, were contributors to invaluable works of art, science, and innovation. One of the foremost Black innovators was George Washington Carver, the father of sustainable agriculture and pioneer in soil science and conservation.

But how do we maintain these ties to our roots? How do we use nature to inspire the same creativity our ancestors mastered? Luckily, there exists a not-for-profit organization doing just that. Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. The organization provides modern resources for Black communities to reconnect to nature no matter where they are across the United States.

Outdoor Afro is, at its core, a celebration—one of joy, relationship, and (re)connection. More remarkably, their team leaders have created a safe and sustainable space to share knowledge and skills (such as swimming, fishing, and urban gardening) to all community participants within U.S. neighborhoods. The organization helps foster new relationships to outdoor conservation, education, and recreation. Outdoor Afro isn't only a link to the past, but a bridge into a future that fosters positive interactions with each other, and the planet.

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Does Outdoor Afro believe there is a difference between having access to nature and connecting with nature?

"Great question. Yes, there’s certainly a difference. Outdoor Afro originates experiences for the two to harmonize organically. Our national not-for-profit organization prompt to U.S. communities: You have an “open invitation” to join us in nature. We love to remind our network participants nationwide that they have the opportunity to participate in our year-round outdoor conservation, education, and recreation work and activities. Providing communities with instant access to the neighborhood nature around them. We also encourage communities to take ownership of their local outdoor experiences—getting involved in outdoor policy education or signing up for one of our many monthly network events like foraging, ice climbing, gardening, or cycling to connect or reconnect to nature spaces. We tailor our initiatives and events to what’s familiar and of value to our local communities. Considering where they typically travel or spend time in nature. Ultimately taking into account what brings them joy when they’re outside. It’s important to us to offer programming that truly speaks to their everyday connections (and versions) of the outdoors and inspires a natural feeling of belonging."

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Why is it important for urban communities to have equal and adequate access to natural spaces?

"Outdoor Afro believes both urban and rural communities deserve to know about and physically experience the health and wellness benefits of being outside. The ability to access the natural world from our own neighborhoods—whether that’s a rail-to-trail greenway or cultural park—helps cultivate new relationships with ourselves, each other, and the sights and sounds around us. For Outdoor Afro, it’s especially important that access is coupled with identifying shared interests so that communities can truly feel a part of the nature around them. Thereby, nurturing this collective sense of togetherness and responsibility to sustain local land, water, and wildlife for current and newer generations to enjoy."

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We made it outside…now what? What are your top 5 tips for fostering a meaningful connection to the natural spaces both on land and in the water?

"We have a strong top three to get readers started.

First, know that nature is not some place “over there,” beginning precisely at the moment you step out of your car and meet a trailhead. Instead, nature is found in our quiet moments. Hearing that songbird chirping outside the kitchen window. Acknowledging the water that makes up most of our bodies. The breath of air filling our lungs. It’s this type of awareness that Outdoor Afro hopes more people understand that nature is really everywhere and within us.

Second, connect with family, friends, and co-workers to just go outside. It does not have to be a long hike. Perhaps, it’s a leisurely stroll around the office during lunchtime. Or hosting your next celebration with loved ones at a rooftop garden. Initially, keep outdoor activities simple and aligned with your lifestyle.

Third, make it a habit to visit or revisit nature spaces that truly inspire you or bring peace of mind. Birthed in Oakland, California, Outdoor Afro is at home in the redwood groves of the Oakland Hills. It’s where the region’s redwoods were once clear cut due to the California gold rush and a demand for wood to support the housing market. Our organization has witnessed the regeneration of these same redwoods—just a mere 10-minute drive from where most Oaklanders live. The redwoods remain an accessible location where Outdoor Afro often invites and leads community participants through guided hikes to learn about the local history and Black contributions to this nature narrative."

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Which programs are available through Outdoor Afro that can help urban communities facilitate an ongoing connection to the outdoors?

"This year is considered Outdoor Afro’s “Year of Innovation.” We’re recasting our two core programs to reach more and newer audiences. Our flagship initiative for the past 15 years, Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP), prepares Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders to help connect and reconnect Black people to nature. Through planned and guided year-round adventures across the United States, VLP’s selected and trained volunteer leaders are able to share their outdoor expertise; knowledge of civics and history; and love of nature to more than 60,000 people in U.S. communities. The program’s most-anticipated experience is its signature training and information-sharing event: Outdoor Afro Leadership Training (OALT). Once a year, OALT equips volunteer leaders with risk management and leadership skills so they’re able to host up to 12 outings a year safely and sustainably within their neighborhoods. After OALT concludes its packed weekend of hands-on outdoor workshops, volunteer leaders are equipped to guide their Outdoor Afro network through nature activities like fishing, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing, surfing, and more from up to 32 networks located in nearly 60 U.S. cities.

Our Making Waves Program provides water safety and beginner swimming lessons to Black youth and caregivers. Outdoor Afro created Making Waves in 2019 to ensure every child and caregiver within its sphere of influence learn how to swim. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black youth between the ages of 10 and 14 drown in swimming pools at a rate almost 8 times that of white peers—a public health disparity from decades of segregation and exclusion from public pools and beaches. To strengthen water relationships, Outdoor Afro partners with U.S. swim providers to fund kids and caregivers. During 2023, we partnered with new Black-owned providers to fund 1,000 kids and caregivers. Our 2024 goal is to ensure 1,200 children and guardians learn this life-saving skill while unlocking joy and love of water."

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Lastly, where can readers learn more and get involved with the work of Outdoor Afro?

"Our digital home, outdoorafro.org, serves as a great digital first stop to understand our nature and community work. It celebrates who we are and what we’ve accomplished in nature for the past 15 years now. We also encourage readers to follow us across social @outdoorafro, joining our online community of nearly 170,000 followers. Your instant access to our organizational developments, breaking news, and success stories happening in nature yearlong."

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All photos courtesy of Outdoor Afro