Open Letter: Color My Outdoors’ online refresh, resolutions in a new administration landscape

By Founder and Executive Director Simone Adams

We know: It’s been a minute since you’ve heard from Color My Outdoors. But trust us, we’ve been busy behind the scenes doing what we do best – breaking down barriers, sparking change, and building a movement. As we enter the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve poured our heart and soul into so far. At Color My Outdoors, our mission has always been to rewrite the outdoor narrative. And we’ve rooted that work right here in the Southeast, focusing on four key pillars: cultivating leaders, changing perceptions, building skills and confidence, and collaborating for real, lasting change. Since 2021, we’ve been tackling the obstacles that too often prevent Black and Brown people from experiencing the outdoors as their full, authentic selves. Whether it’s through leadership development, storytelling, or hands-on outdoor skills, we’re proving that nature has room for everyone. That it always has. Thanks to your unwavering support, 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. Together, here’s what we’ve accomplished:

• We launched our Wilderness Medicine Scholarship program to help Black and Brown folks get the certifications they need to become stronger leaders in the outdoors. Applications are still open if you want to get your Wildness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
• We partnered with one of our fave allies, Nantahala Outdoor Center, on our second annual Family River Day to introduce Families of Color to water sports and help them build the skills and confidence to get on the river. 
• We received a significant grant from the Cisco Foundation to pilot programs that will remove obstacles and increase opportunities for Black and Brown communities to access the outdoors. 

Thank you for helping us turn these milestones into reality. As we step into 2025 – a year filled with both possibilities and uncertainties under a new presidential administration – one thing remains crystal clear: Color My Outdoors will continue to champion equitable access to the outdoors, even as new policies and fears threaten to widen the gap for Black and Brown communities. Looking ahead, we’re gearing up to grow our programs across several Southern states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Changing the outdoor narrative has a nationwide impact, but we’re staying focused on the Southeast, a region with the largest population of People of Color and a long history of environmental and social harm. Here, the need for change is greatest, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference is unmatched.

Together with supporters like you, we’re flipping the script on who belongs in the great outdoors. We’re forging meaningful connections in nature that shatter old stereotypes and celebrate the truth of this nature-rich region. By sharing authentic stories of the South, we’re giving historical and present-day People of Color the space to step into their power and reclaim their rightful place in the outdoor narrative – whether we’re highlighting the resilience of Black farmers in Georgia, amplifying the voices of Indigenous storytellers along the Appalachian Trail, or supporting outdoor entrepreneurs in North Carolina who are creating safe, inclusive spaces for their communities. With your steadfast support, here’s how we’re strengthening our work and blazing new trails:

• We’re launching a first-of-its-kind online, searchable directory of Black and Brown-led outdoor organizations located in the Southeast. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to foster a safe and inclusive connection between Black and Brown communities and the great outdoors. This initiative is for us, by us. Representation at its best. Stay on the lookout for this valuable index to launch this spring. 
• We’re documenting more stories of outdoor adventure, leadership, and stewardship by People of Color on our new digital home. We gave our website here a refresh to speak to the unique way we experience the outdoors as People of Color in the South. Please take the time today to browse our site and tell us what you think at hello@ColorMyOutdoors.org.
• Road trip! We’re hitting the road to reconnect with and honor the rich heritage and history of People of Color in nature. By attending outdoor conferences, trainings, and workshops, we’re not only spreading the word about our work but also educating communities about the generational contributions to the region’s waterways, thriving wildlife, and recreation-laden lands.

And there’s more. Expect new branding and programming projects throughout this year. As new funding opportunities continue to support Color My Outdoors, our team and board will grow from our once one-woman outfit into a fully staffed organization. (Whew!) As we continue to grow, we’re calling on our community to help us take this movement even further. If you know of funding opportunities, partnerships, or organizations that align with our mission, we’d love to connect. Together, we can amplify our impact, reach new communities, and ensure that Black and Brown voices have a leading role in the outdoor narrative. Let’s make 2025 a year of powerful collaborations and transformative change. Reach out to us at partnerships@ColorMyOutdoors.org today. We can’t wait to hear from you.

In solidarity,