This week on bigcitysmalltown, we focus on the intersection of community, identity, and the outdoors through the work of Black Outside, Inc. Founded and led by Alex Bailey, the San Antonio-based nonprofit is dedicated to reconnecting Black youth with nature—an effort rooted in generational healing, cultural history, and a reimagining of what belonging in outdoor spaces looks like.
Cory Ames sits down with Bailey to discuss the evolution of Black Outside, its ties to family legacy, and the organization’s rapid growth over the past five years. The conversation covers the challenges of expanding access to nature, the importance of cultural storytelling, and how programming like Camp Founder Girls and Brothers With the Land are changing the narrative for Black youth—not just in San Antonio, but across Texas.
They discuss:
- The early influences that led Bailey to launch Black Outside
- The family and local history behind programming, including the revival of Camp Founder Girls
- How Black Outside approaches youth development, self-confidence, and cultural connection
- Challenges of funding, capacity, and inclusivity in outdoor education
- The broader impact of community knowledge and how local organizations can further diversify access to San Antonio’s natural spaces
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