Rose ClementsWhile some insist that ‘nature doesn’t discriminate’, it is clear that the outdoor community is still not an inclusive place for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in 2022.
Statistics collected from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service show that although people of color make up nearly 40 percent of the total U.S. population, close to 70 percent of people who visit national forests, national wildlife refuges, and national parks are white, while people who identify as Black remain the most dramatically underrepresented group in these spaces.
There are many individuals, organizations, brands, and companies that are actively trying to change these statistics. So, in honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing five Black-led outdoor groups to check out. Let’s be real—following a handful of Black-led nonprofits isn’t going to end systemic racism. But we all need to be actively educating ourselves, diversifying the content we consume and the brands we support, and consistently promoting Black voices. Following and supporting Black-led groups like these isn’t just an activity for Black History Month—a box to check off and forget about. There’s a wealth of experience, knowledge, insight, and wisdom to tap into from outlets like the ones we are sharing here. This is a movement, not a moment. So let’s get movin’!
1 – Melanin Basecamp
First up on our list is Melanin Basecamp. We love both their Instagram feed and their blog, which are each frequently updated and chock-full of beautiful photos and powerful stories. One of our personal favorite articles is 10 Things I Wish My White Outdoorsy Friends Knew About Me. We always appreciate their straightforward, unapologetic voice and the unique angles their stories tend to take. For example, read their piece on Why Black Women Shouldn’t Try Adventure Sports. Give them a follow and thank us later.
instagram | website | facebook
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2 – Urban American Outdoors
Okay, full disclosure—this TV show was created and produced by our amazing board member Wayne Hubbard, so forgive us if we’re a little biased! Urban American Outdoors (UAO) is the first African-American owned and produced outdoor TV show, and is creating the blueprint for connecting & inspiring multicultural communities in nature. UAO started filming in 1999, and aims to show the outdoors from a different, more culturally diverse perspective. UAO also sponsors free, annual outdoor events to connect local youth to outdoor sports and recreation, and provides food to families in need in the community. Check out their videos on their Vimeo channel!
instagram | website | facebook | vimeo
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3 – Outdoor Afro
We first learned about Outdoor Afro (OA) a while ago, but we really got our fire stoked back at the 2016 Outdoor Retailer where we had the opportunity to hear founder Rue Mapp speak. She is incredibly inspiring, doing a TON of amazing work and making space for other Black-led organizations in the outdoors. Outdoor Afro supports over 100 leaders in 56 cities around the country, connecting thousands to inclusive outdoor experiences.
instagram | website | facebook
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4 – Intersectional Environmentalist
‘Dismantle Systems of Oppression in the Environmental Movement’, is the clear-cut demand from Intersectional Environmentalist, front and center on their website. We love IE because of their firm belief that climate justice is social justice, the intersectional lens through which they examine environmental issues, and their consistency in elevating BIPOC voices in the outdoors and environmentalism. Founder Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah) is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator, and is prolific in her work—she writes for The Good Trade, has spoken at the New York Times Environmental Climate Hub, and is an author, just to name a few of her accomplishments.
instagram | website | facebook | donate
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5 – Black Forager
We’re completely obsessed with Alexis Nikole Nelson, the foraging and environmental science enthusiast behind the massively popular Black Forager instagram and TikTok accounts. Alexis forages for wild food and then shares recipes and cooking tips with her audience. She’s hilarious, extremely knowledgeable, can pronounce even the most complicated scientific plant names, and we have learned so much from her posts.
Check out her recent post to hear how Alexis’ lived experience of being Black in the outdoors informs every aspect of the content she creates and the experience she shares.
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6 – The Black Elevation Map
Created by travel company Black and Abroad, The Black Elevation Map is more of a resource than a group, but we wanted to include it here because it’s one of the most incredible tools for connection and support that we’ve seen in a long time. Launched in conjunction with #BlackHistoryMonth, the map “visualizes Black cultural data as elevation on a map of the U.S.”
Use this map as a tool to discover and support Black-owned businesses across the country, self-educate about Black history in your hometown or places you’re planning to visit, or explore one of the ten ‘Tour the Culture’ guides.
“Explore a new map of America,” prompts the Black Elevation Map’s website. “With curated guides, 30,000 points of interest and the millions who make it rise.”
There is so much knowledge to obtain from this tool, so spend some time clicking through today!
instagram | website | facebook
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7 – Diversify Outdoors
Diversify Outdoors was founded by Danielle Williams, who also helped to start Melanin Basecamp which we featured above. So we’re not sure if we’re gushing too much or not, but…just keep it to yourself if we are, ok?
Conservation Legacy just officially joined Diversify Outdoors, which is a coalition of bloggers, brands, companies, and entrepreneurs, in 2022. The aim of the coalition is to connect those who work to promote diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, LGBTQIA, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented. By joining the coalition, we are now connected to a larger group that has banded together to positively impact the diversity, equity and inclusion of the outdoor recreation and environmental conservation industry. We are honored to share space with the other incredible organizations and individuals in the Diversify Outdoors Coalition.