10 Black-Owned Outdoor Businesses to Support This Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, we are highlighting Black-owned businesses. These businesses range from creatives selling their art, communities supporting diversity in the outdoors, and apparel companies selling outdoor gear. For a more robust list of outdoor shops owned by BIPOC, check out Shiner Goods growing and editable Google Sheet here.
Celebrate Junteenth (June 19th) this year by buying from a Black-owned brand. Junteenth also known as Freedom Day or Liberation Day, commemorates the true end of slavery in the U.S..June 19, 1865 is the day that federal troops arrived in the farthest reaches of Texas where enslaved people were still captive and ensured that they were freed.
Wild Gina
Gina Danza (@wildginaa on Instagram) is an outdoor photographer, marketer, and diversity advocate for outdoor brands. Her stunning photographs manage to capture an elusive combination of softness and power. Prints are available at wildgina.smugmug.com.
Latasha Dunston
Latasha Dunston (@jitterbug_art on Instagram) is an illustrator and painter with a passion for outdoor spaces. In addition to sharing her love of nature through her work, Latasha seeks to help others develop their own artistic talents through dedicated workshops. More information can be found at jitterbugart.com.
Paula Champagne
Paula Champagne (@makerchamp on Instagram) is a talented visual storyteller whose projects “explore and honor the intersection of blackness, nature, and the quiet resistance of rest.” Her digital designs, while simple, evoke a sense of power and strength. Learn more about Paula’s brand work and shop her designs at paulachampagne.com.
Outdoorism
Chyla Anderson created Outdoorism Apparel (@Outdoorism on Instagram) with the belief that we all belong outdoors, regardless of our skin tone. Dedicated to representing the underrepresented, Outdoorism aims to help POC feel seen and heard in outdoor spaces. Check out their collection at outdoorismapparel.com.
Ope Outdoors
Ope Outdoors (@opeoutdoors on Instagram) is a Midwest outdoor clothing company committed to providing a more sustainable alternative to “fast fashion.” Each clothing item is made from around 8 recycled water bottles and up-cycled fabric. They also host monthly trail clean ups in Missouri. Check out their line at opeoutdoors.com.
Slim Pickins Outfitter
Slim Pickins Outfitter (@spoutfitter on Instagram) is the first black-owned outdoor shop in the nation, located in Stephenville, TX. Even if you’re not in Texas, you can still shop local by checking them out at slimpickinsoutfitters.com.
Black Girls Trekkin
Black Girls Trekkin (@blackgirlstrekkin on Instragram) is on a mission to diversify the outdoors. Based in Los Angeles, CA, BGT hosts group events that aim to build a community that inspires and empowers Black women and girls to get into nature. You can support their initiatives around inclusion, conservation, and education by visiting blackgirlstrekkin.com.
Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Afro (@outdoorafro on Insta) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the dominant narrative of who engages in the outdoors. By growing a community of Black outdoor recreationists across nearly 30 US states, OA hopes to make our natural spaces a more equitable space for all. Find your local chapter or donate at outdoorafro.com.
Black Girls Do Bike
Black Girls Do Bike (@blackgirlsdobike on Insta) is a grassroots movement to encourage and engage more women of color, especially Black women, to develop a passion for cycling. You can find your local chapter or buy some sweet merch at blackgirlsdobike.com.
Outdoor Journal Tour
The mission of Outdoor Journal Tour (@outdoorjournaltour on Instragram) is simple: to empower women through mindfulness in the outdoors. Founded with the belief that nature is rejuvenating, ODJT started the #wehiketoheal outdoor wellness movement to encourage women to tap into the healing power of nature. You can find their line of guided ebooks and journals at wehiketoheal.org.
