Hi Supporter, Tomorrow is Juneteenth, a day commemorating Black freedom and liberation, and we're taking this moment to reaffirm racial justice as key to building a healthy, thriving planet—and universal access to the outdoors as key to building healthy, thriving communities.
We also feel called to action, and after a year where nature became more important than ever, we are calling on all of us to join Outdoor Afro, a leading organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature, to reflect on what it means to be free in America.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas were told they were free—nearly 2.5 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all enslaved persons within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."
Support Outdoor Afro and make a special Juneteenth gift today. Your gift will help Outdoor Afro expand their reach to even more cities and individuals, train additional leaders making a difference in their communities, and make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible to all >>
With 102+ leaders in 56 cities that will go on over 1200 adventures and get over 50k people out into nature every year, Outdoor Afro has disrupted the false perception that Black people do not have a relationship to nature and is shifting the visual representation of who can connect with the outdoors. And by cultivating relationships with the outdoors, they put a special emphasis on empowering more Black people to become informed advocates to protect public lands and our environment.
Founded in 2009, Outdoor Afro has poured everything they have into building their programs. Especially in this past year, when people relied even more on experiencing nature to support their mental health, Outdoor Afro remained a valuable resource. Despite having to adapt to changing circumstances for in-person events and leader trainings, they grew exponentially as our country's racial reckoning increased, and many people realized how much they value the outdoors. They were there as a place where Black people could turn to and recharge, focus on health and wellness, and find joy and community.
So today, we are asking our members and supporters to give back for Juneteenth—100% of your gift will support Outdoor Afro and its work growing our movement to expand access and a sense of belonging in the outdoors. Donate today >>
Outdoor Afro is leading the way in making a tangible and significant impact in communities across the country. Its Juneteenth campaign invites folks to reflect on what it means to be free in America by visiting a nearby park, forest, or beach for 2.5 hours and then share written, audio, or visual reflections with Outdoor Afro. Make your Juneteenth gift today and then get outdoors tomorrow.
Thanks for all you do,
Jackie Ostfeld
Director, Outdoors for All
Photo of Outdoor Afro hiking in Seattle. Courtesy of Outdoor Afro. |
