Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) announced the introduction of a resolution alongside Reps. Steve Horsford (NV-04), Barbara Lee (CA-12), John Garamendi (CA-08), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), and Jim Costa (CA-21) to mark the 15-year anniversary of Outdoor Afro, a national not-for-profit organization connecting Black Americans with nature and outdoor recreation.
“For 15 years, Outdoor Afro has worked to restore Black-American leadership in nature and reconnect Black Americans to our nation’s lands, water, and wildlife.” said Rep. Thompson. “It’s great to join my colleagues to recognize Outdoor Afro’s profound impact and celebrate their ongoing work to conserve public lands and make outdoor recreation activities more accessible.”
“On behalf of Outdoor Afro, I am deeply grateful for this recognition commemorating our 15th anniversary,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO, Rue Mapp. “Over the past decade and a half, our work to reconnect Black communities with the outdoors has been made possible through the steadfast support of many congressional House and Senate Members, and three presidential administrations. This recognition symbolizes not only a milestone in our journey, but also a testament to the collective efforts of all who have believed in our mission that is shaping a better outdoor experience in our public lands for all.”
“As we mark the 15th anniversary of Outdoor Afro, I’m proud to recognize local groups in my district like Black People Hike LV for their commitment to making the outdoors accessible,” said Rep. Horsford. “I’ve had the opportunity to hike with them just outside Las Vegas, and their work to connect our community with nature is important for our communities. These efforts help ensure everyone can enjoy and benefit from the beautiful natural spaces that Nevada has to offer.”
"I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution recognizing the 15th anniversary of Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit organization that has made outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Over the past 15 years, Outdoor Afro has worked tirelessly to reconnect Black communities with nature, fostering leadership and environmental stewardship across the country. By breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in outdoor recreation, they’ve ensured that our public lands truly belong to everyone. I’m proud to support this effort to honor their mission and look forward to many more years of their continued success,” said Rep. Garamendi.
“I am inspired by how Outdoor Afro has opened doors to natural spaces and empowered communities of color to lead in environmental stewardship,” said Rep. Barragán. “Outdoor Afro has fostered a deep sense of community, healing, and environmental responsibility in the Black community. Their efforts ensure that future generations—especially those from underserved communities—will have the opportunity to both enjoy and protect our natural world. Nature belongs to everyone, and we should all learn to appreciate, interact with, and help preserve it.”
“The 15th anniversary of Outdoor Afro shows that we have made progress reconnecting Black Americans with nature through thousands of outdoor events across the United States, challenging stereotypes, increasing representation, and fostering community healing and environmental stewardship. Outdoor Afro has broken barriers in outdoor education, empowering Black Americans to develop lifelong skills in land and water-based activities while leading the way for greater inclusion in outdoor recreation and conservation for all,” said Rep. Carter.
“Celebrating 15 years of Outdoor Afro is not just a milestone; it's a testament to the resilience and unity of our community. Our Fresno Chapter exemplifies this through activities like camping, yoga, hiking, and beyond—that inspire Black leadership and forge lasting connections as seen during my recent visit to Nova Farming in my district. I’m proud to join my colleagues in recognizing this incredible organization and its impact on our communities,” said Rep. Costa.
BACKGROUND
In 2009, Oakland-native Rue Mapp started Outdoor Afro as a blog about nature. It has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network guiding hundreds of outdoor events each year designed to celebrate and inspire Black-American connections to nature.
Over the past 15 years, Outdoor Afro has cultivated and trained more than 1,000 outdoor leaders, leading thousands of outdoor events and reaching well over 150,000 participants. Today, Outdoor Afro has volunteer leaders in 33 states and the District of Columbia and promotes Black Americans to participate in recreational activities like camping, hiking, birding, fishing, gardening, skiing, biking, environmental education, conservation stewardship and more.
Outdoor Afro not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but it also helps communities connect to Black history found in many natural areas and promotes the protection of vulnerable public lands for all to enjoy.