. The group started with about 20 individuals, and has since grown to 60, and does a number of clinics. They've also gained sponsorships with outdoor brands and become affiliated with the national group American Alpine Club, which allows the group to receive donations for climbing passes, gear and trips.
"There's so many affinity groups here in Utah now that I would hope that you can find activities that you like to participate in with your community," Cleveland said. "And then feel free to join in with other communities. Outdoor Afro is for everyone, not just people in the African diaspora. We've had people from the Latino community, from the West Indian communities participating in going outside with us. Everyone is welcome.
Fairely said social media can be a great tool to overcome that knowledge gap surrounding outdoor recreation, which he said is becoming more diverse and inclusive. the renaming of Kyhv Peak in Utah County, which previously held the name of an racial slur for Indigenous women"So you would go on the blog, and you would see this great post, and you're like, 'Oh, that's, that's great.' And if they said anything about people of color, immediately, the trolls would pop up and the comments would get really hideous," she said.
Participants get ready to watch films from the Wild and Scenic Film Festival at the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City in 2022.