blackOut

BUILDING CAPACITY

In workshops and informal discussions throughout the South and the Mid-Atlantic, our colleagues were grappling with how to grow partnerships and build capacity to address natural resource concerns within their communities. BlackOut was designed as a space to afford emerging Black conservation professionals the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with seasoned Black conservation professionals in outdoor spaces; opportunities to be outdoors to experience the very spaces they are working hard to serve, protect and defend.

The inaugural BlackOut took place in October of 2024 on 1100 acres of Black cooperative-owned land in rural Alabama. It convened over several days of collective work and recreation. Participants camped out or slept in dorms, delved into conversations on forest and land stewardship, enjoyed hayrides, trail rides and a massive bonfire. Meals were prepared by chefs and enjoyed at the river and on the lake. The closing night was celebrated through a blues concert culminating in a farm-to-table dinner produced by member farmers of local cooperatives. Participants left with hands-on support to build out proposals, launch initiatives, and collaborate resources.