Our Mission
With the knowledge that only 1% of Texas state park participants identify as Black/African-American, Black Outside, Inc was founded with one simple mission: reconnecting Black/African-American youth to the outdoors. Through culturally relevant programming, inspired volunteers, and passion for connecting youth to the powerful history of Black people in the outdoors, we seek to move the needle on diversity in the outdoors and ensure our youth have safe and equitable spaces outside.
Our Values
Explore Self - We firmly believe that each young person has immense talents, abilities, and skills to contribute to their community and the greater world. Our outdoor programming serves as an opportunity to explore and enhance a student's strengths and social-emotional skill set in order for them to become even better leaders in their school and local community.
Explore Culture - We value the powerful history of people of color in the outdoors and ensure each outdoor opportunity honors the sacrifice and triumph of those before us. We intentionally craft culturally relevant programming that expands and builds on this history and affirms the identity of our students.
Explore Outdoors - We love the outdoors and value it as a place of healing, inspiration, challenge, and fun. We ensure each exploration inspires a greater love for nature and its transformative power.
"We firmly believe that each young person has immense talents, abilities, and skills to contribute to their community and the greater world."