Outdoor Afro's Founder Rue Mapp Recipient of Association's Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Accolade
Rue Mapp, the founder of Outdoor Afro, was recently recognised for her significant contributions to environmental education at the North American Association for Environmental Education's (NAAEE) 44th Annual Conference in San Diego.
Outdoor Afro, a non-profit organisation that connects Black communities with outdoor experiences and environmental education, was established by Mapp. The organisation has grown to become one of the nation's most prominent networks emphasising African American connections and leadership in nature.
Mapp's work was honoured with the prestigious Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award, in recognition of her leadership in educating about environmental justice concerns. One of her most notable initiatives is the Making Waves program, launched in 2019, which addresses the critical issue of drowning disparities among Black children by funding swimming lessons for youth and caregivers nationwide.
The Making Waves program not only promotes water safety amid growing climate threats and emergencies such as floods and extreme heat, but also encourages a deeper, joyful relationship with nature and water for Black families, helping to break a generational cycle of non-swimming. By providing up to $400 per family for beginner swim lessons and partnering with swim schools, Outdoor Afro’s Making Waves program supports thousands of families annually.
The North American Association for Environmental Education, led by Judy Braus, has promoted excellence in environmental education for over four decades. This year's awards ceremony honoured bright spots across North America that show progress in the field of environmental education. The awards program is a testament to the tireless efforts of the association's members, supporters, and affiliate organisations.
The 2015 award recipients represent progress across multiple disciplines and approaches in the field. The diverse group of individuals and organisations from North America were celebrated for their outstanding achievements in teaching, community engagement, research, and environmental justice.
For more information about the eligibility requirements and a full list of winners, visit www.our website/programs/leadership/awards. To learn more about Outdoor Afro and the work of Rue Mapp, visit http://outdoorafro.com.
- Rue Mapp's leadership in environmental education, demonstrated through her work with Outdoor Afro and the Making Waves program, is intertwined with environmental-science, promoting water safety and fostering a deeper connection with nature.
- The Making Waves program extends beyond water safety, its focus on providing beginner swim lessons for Black families, funded by $400 per family, is also a business endeavor, partnering with swim schools and supporting thousands annually.
- As a recipient of the prestigious Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award, Rue Mapp's work is a shining example of leadership in environmental education, contributing significantly to the environmental-science field and environmental justice concerns.
