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California lawmakers lead the push to expand outdoor opportunities for Black Americans Rue Mapp FacebookTwitterEmail Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, walks along a trail inside Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland on March 19, 2017.Natasha Dangond / The Chronicle I’m grateful to live near a waterfront park, and most days I take my dog there for fresh air and exercise. I’ve always loved these walks. But lately, it’s been especially inspiring to see that more people who look like me are out enjoying the outdoors. The pandemic has clarified our collective need for access to nature close to hom...

A woman hikes in a park. (Mint Images/Getty Images) On any given Sunday in 42 cities throughout the country, you might spot an organized group of Black people hiking, skiing or birdwatching.  These groups are part of a larger collective calledOutdoor Afro, a nonprofit organization that aims to reclaim nature for Black people.  Now with the pandemic, the group is larger than ever, defying the misconception that Black people aren’t that into nature. It’s a stereotype rooted in the fact that for a long time Black people were denied access to outdoor spaces. Rue Mapp was tired of those ster...

Greenpeace USA by Alice Kurima Newberry Email 8 inspiring leaders in the environmental movement who are igniting lasting change in their communities and beyond. © Aaron Sprecher / Greenpeace We cannot talk about environmental justice without addressing racial justice. Throughout history, communities of color have been disproportionally impacted by climate change and access to environmental resources, pollution, toxic soil and water, the list goes on and on. The fight against institutionalized oppression is becoming more important than ever.  Here are just a few environmental heroes and thei...

Black environmentalists making a difference in their communities Nan Kirlin As the month of February quickly draws to a close, it is important to highlight prominent black environmentalists that have been nationally and internationally accredited. The first is one from our very own state of North Carolina. Savonala "Savi" Horne is executive director of Land Loss Prevention Project. Her organization works to prevent the loss of land in African-American communities throughout North Carolina. They were incorporated in 1983 with the intent to stop the massive losses of Black owned land in the sta...

February 13, 2021 Pam Moore THE WASHINGTON POST – If you took up hiking during the pandemic, you’re not alone. Data from the Outdoor Industry Association indicates that of all the outdoor activities that spiked in popularity between 2019 and 2020, hiking saw the sharpest rise. If winter’s chilly temperatures and short days are keeping you away from the trails, don’t sweat it. The offseason is an excellent time to work on developing the mental fortitude, endurance, strength and flexibility to hit the trails running (well, hiking) once the ice melts. Taking time off from hiking now can ...