Color My Outdoors
Changing the Narrative
Color My Outdoors is part of a growing community of organizations and individuals working to change the narrative of the outdoors. For too long, the story of outdoor recreation and education has excluded people of color—people who have historical and ancestral ties to the land. Our new narrative celebrates the adventurers, explorers, and influencers who have led and who are leading the way for new generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Narratives are common frameworks that help us build an understanding to navigate through society. They influence and shape our values and decisions as we navigate through life. However, our nation’s commonplace narratives justify racial inequities and perpetuate harm on communities of color. Racial equity and equality will not happen by sheer goodwill, changing the narrative will take intention and multi-sectional work.
The role Color My Outdoors plays in this movement is both complimentary and collaborative to the work of other influencers, organizations, and companies with aligned missions. Together, our work will shape a new narrative that speaks to the integral role People of Color have always had and will continue with the wonderful outdoors.
By providing access to training and education for people of color to pursue a career in the outdoor industry or engage in outdoor activities, we are inviting more people of color to feel welcomed and empowered in the outdoors. By changing the narrative, we change the future.
Simone Adams has always held a passion for exploring the outdoors. Her earliest memories include playing in the creek beside her house, exploring the woods with her brothers, and camping in the North Georgia mountains with her father. Originally from the metro Atlanta area, Simone now lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, just steps away from Pisgah National Forest where she has plenty of trails to keep her happy.
As a Black woman who grew up hiking and camping in the South, Simone rarely saw other faces of color on the trails. A female, a solo adventurer, and a person of color, Simone was often met with words of caution rather than encouragement from people who didn't have a relationship with the outdoors. When Simone began exploring other outdoor recreation activities and taking lessons from adventure guides, she noticed that her instructors and fellow participants were often all-white. These experiences, combined with her career in nonprofit as a fundraising strategist, formed an idea that would grow into an opportunity to create racial equity in the outdoors.
activities
All Outdoor Adventures
All Outdoor Adventures
organization
501(c)3
501(c)3
