5 Black Orgs Making Waves for Planet, Inclusion, & Adventure
In honor of Black History Month, we want to shout out Black orgs that are doing incredible work in the outdoors community for planet, inclusion, and adventure. We hope this serves as a great starting point for you to dive in and learn more.
Black Girl Environmentalist
IG: @BlackGirlEnvironmentalist || Website
Black Girl Environmentalist is a national organization dedicated to addressing the pathway and retention issue in the climate movement for Black girls, women and gender-expansive people. They have created regional HUBs across the states that help create community and opportunities for Black women and gender expansive folks in the environmental space. They also have programs like their Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship and the Justice 4 Black Girls: 2024 Climate Justice Program that further provide opportunities. Follow them on IG for resources, educational content, and opportunities to get involved!
Blackpackers
IG: @COBlackpackers || Website
Blackpackers is a non-profit organization that meets those at the intersection of underrepresentation and economic vulnerability. They strive to create economic equality in the outdoors by providing gear, outdoor excursions and outdoor education for free or at subsidized cost. They also work to connect participants with volunteer opportunities, internships, jobs, and post-secondary education resources to create a pipeline from outdoor recreation to outdoor industry careers. Follow them on IG or head to their website to stay up to date on upcoming events and opportunities!
We Hike to Heal
IG: @OutdoorJournalTour || Website
Founded by Kenya and Michelle Jackson-Saulters, The Outdoor Journal Tour’s mission is to encourage women all over the world to tap into the healing and empowering influences within ourselves, our communities and the Great Outdoors. Through their program, they promote mental health and healing within the outdoors with hikes, writing prompts, meditation, and community. Check out their website and IG for more info on events, free resources, and community!
Outdoor Afro
IG: @OutdoorAfro || Website
Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Their organization reconnects Black people to our lands, water, and wildlife through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. They do this through a variety of programs and events such as their annual Outdoor Afro Leadership Training which equips more than 100 volunteer leaders with the tools needed to guide local communities in nature safely and sustainably. Their activity range is large and includes sports from skiing to kayaking to gardening and everything in between. Check out their IG or website to learn more!
Melanin Basecamp
IG: @MelaninBasecamp || Website
Melanin Basecamp is more than just an outdoor blog. It is a hub and safe space for marginalized identities to tell their stories. The topics are widespread: from inspiring adventures to hard conversations about race and identity. When we tell people to do their own research and to learn from diverse voices, this is what we mean! Melanin Basecamp is rooted in increasing the visibility of BIPOC stories and a powerful reminder that these stories and people are an integral part of the outdoors community. Check out their blog and IG to read these amazing stories and learn from adventurers all across our community.
