about black outside
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Black Outside, Inc was founded with one simple mission: reconnecting Black/African-American youth to the outdoors.
Through culturally relevant programming, inspired volunteers and staff, and passion for connecting Black youth to the powerful history of Black people in the outdoors, we seek to move the needle on diversity in the outdoors and ensure Black/African-American youth have safe and equitable spaces outside.
"Through Radical Imagination, an honoring of the land and people that came before us, and a belief in the power and wisdom of youth, we are helping to cultivate a more diverse outdoors and deeper connection to the earth . "
meet our staff
Natalynn Masters,
Camp Founder Girls Director
Originally from Arizona, Natalynn grew up camping and fishing with her parents and two brothers. The outdoors were a family tradition that showed her all of the benefits of being in nature. Although she did not attend summer camps as a kid, she was able to attend a short camp experience while in college. Bear Down Camp at the University of Arizona opened her eyes to the community that can come from a camp setting.
Natalynn moved to San Antonio upon graduation to teach middle school math through Teach For America. For 3 years, Natalynn taught on the South and East sides of San Antonio where she learned about Camp Founder Girls. She began to volunteer and fell in love with its mission and impact, especially a camp with such a rich history and a dedication to serving Black girls. Natalynn now serves as the Camp Director and works to continue creating empowering experiences for CFG Campers!
Kendall Taylor,
Director of Finance and Mentorship for Brothers With the Land
Kendall was born and raised in Birmingham, AL, affectionately called the “Magic City.” Growing up, he spent countless hours outdoors, playing in the neighborhood, at different neighborhood parks, or simply gathering on the porch to hang out with family and friends. KT always enjoyed being outdoors but had few opportunities to spend extensive time doing “outdoor” activities.
After graduating from Alabama A&M University, an HBCU in Huntsville, AL, KT worked in Finance for 6 years before relocating to San Antonio to teach for the next 7 years. In 2019, he had an opportunity to take his first hiking/camping trip with the first cohort of young Black men in Black Outside. It's there, he rediscovered a love for the outdoors and a reconnection to childhood memories. This reconnection to nature sparked a new sense of reflection and healing.
KT dream is for all black youth to have access to outdoor spaces that will cultivate their growth while also opening their minds to jobs and career in the outdoors; from camp counselor to jobs in agriculture and forestry. In his role, he hopes to continue securing the funds and resources necessary, so that Black youth can have outdoor experiences, near and far, without the worry of access and cost.
Kendall is a proud HBCU and Teach for America- San Antonio alum and is Wilderness First Aid certified.
Thurman Hogan,
Operations Director
Born and raised in one of Fort Worth’s economically under-resourced neighborhoods, Thurman always had an organic inkling for the outdoors; whether it was watching Surviorman after school, roaming the neighborhood with his best friend, or playing football. During his adolescent years, Thurman was introduced to a new world of outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, and camping) upon his acceptance into one of Fort Worth's top private schools. Feeling a lack of knowledge and confidence around his more affluent friends, Thurman spent countless nights reading and learning outdoor skills to "fit in." Over time, his new found interests grew into a passion and love for nature.
Prior to joining the Black Outside Inc team full-time, Thurman completed over 1000 hours of service with Black Outside, Inc as an intern through Trinity University. He proudly uses his years of outdoor knowledge and experience to ensure youth feel confident, safe, and have fun across all of Black Outside's respective programs. As the Operations Manager, Thurman oversees risk management, gear inventory, and trip planning. Thurman is a proud graduate of Trinity University, an American Hiking Association NextGen Trail Leader, and Wilderness First Responder Certified.
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Alex Bailey,
Founder/Executive Director
From the fresh smell of mint leaves in his grandfather’s garden to fishing trips with his grandparents on the Clear Fork river in Ohio; Alex’s familial connection to the outdoors always inspired him to connect deeply with nature, particularly in life’s hardest moments. This foundational love and connection to nature led him to envision a program which radically transforms outdoor spaces and programming to be a beacon of joy and liberation for Black youth--- later to be known as Black Outside, Inc.
Between 2018 and 2019, founder Alex Bailey embarked on a journey to observe and shadow summer camps and outdoor programs across the country to better understand the impact outdoor programming has on youth. He took those learnings and, alongside an amazing community of people, began building a culturally relevant outdoor program in the city of San Antonio which today collectively serves 150+ Black youth across central Texas.
Alex is a proud fellow of the National Wild Gift fellowship, The International Echoing Green Fellowship, a 2019 TedxSan Antonio speaker (Recolor the Outdoors), and currently serves as Executive Director of Black Outside, Inc.
Where have we explored?
At Black Outside, Inc we believe in an expansive definition of the outdoors-- meaning the outdoors and nature are not one place or activity. We proudly connect our youth to outdoor spaces within our home city of San Antonio, central Texas, and around the United States.
Check out the map below to see where we've been.
Is there a place you recommend we visit? Shoot us an email at info@blackoutside.org
