Outdoor Afro
This month we're partnering with Outdoor Afro as our featured nonprofit! Outdoor Afro is a Black led nonprofit that is dedicated to connecting people to outdoor experiences. They believe that nature, outdoor recreation, and conservation is for everyone. Founded in 2009 as a blog, today Outdoor Afro is a national nonprofit organization with nearly 80 leaders in 30 states.
Since the start Rue Mapp has been the leader of Outdoor Afro. She has grown the organization through a multimedia approach that is grounded in personal connections and community organizing. In 2010, she was invited to the Obama White house to participate in the America's Great Outdoors Conference. This year Outdoor Afro has been highlighted by Oprah on her 2020 Vision Tour. You can find out more about Rue on her website.
Outdoor Afro: "Quite possibly one of the most progressive organizations I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of."
-Kevin B.
Outdoor Afro uses its social media platform to reach 50,000 people per day through photos and stories. Sound familiar? Their use of photos and stories aligns closely with our mission and makes them a great partner to work with. They are changing the narrative of who engages in the Outdoor, and they are at the forefront of helping more people--particularly Black people--equitably reconnect with the natural world through Outdoor Recreation.
Outdoor Afro's Work
Encourage national, regional and local leaders to protect America’s public lands and waters, including recreational opportunities and the American jobs they support.
Empower more Black people to become informed and empowered advocates to protect public lands with policymakers in Washington D.C., as well as in their states, counties, cities, and towns.
Support increased and diverse participation and executive leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Economy.
Champion outdoor industry brands that share Outdoor Afro’s commitment to equity, access to parks for all Americans, and value sustainable global supply chains that respect human rights and the environment.
Engage with companies, not-for-profits, and leadership who advocate for reducing greenhouse gases and ensuring that the no communities disproportionately carry the costs of climate change.
Advocate for increased transportation funding to lower barriers to nature, so that more people, especially youth and their families, can have efficient, affordable means to get outdoors - especially to those places close to home.
Defend the protection of sacred public lands and the communities that depend on them.
Promote culturally competent programing and staffing in parks to help more people feel welcome and understood in those spaces through outreach, on-site participation, and ongoing, lifelong engagement.
Create more synergies with non-traditional conservation allies such as clergy, artists, social justice, human and public health professionals.
Recognize the need to protect wildlife and their habitats as part of a healthy human ecosystem, while also supporting lawful and sustainable hunting and fishing practices.
Join us in supporting Outdoor Afro!
75% of this month's donations will go towards our partner, Outdoor Afro.
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help Outdoor Afro continue their mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature.