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Contact: Rue Mapp, Outdoor Afro Founder, Rue Mapp, engage@outdoorafro.com or rulette@gmail.com

OAKLAND, CA, October 18, 2015 — Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro was recently recognized by the �������� ( ��������), a leader in environmental education, as the recipient of one of ��������’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field.  At a special awards reception during ��������’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Mapp received the Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award in recognition of her leadership to educate about environmental justice concerns and promote action that addresses these issues at the local, regional, or global levels.

Outdoor Afro (), which Mapp initially launched as a blog in 2009, has become one of the nation’s most prominent networks that emphasizes African American connections and leadership in nature. The organization now has 30 leaders around the country who coordinate outdoor experiences.

“For more than four decades, �������� has promoted excellence and impact in environmental education thanks to the tireless efforts of our members, supporters, and affiliate organizations,” said Judy Braus, Executive Director. “Our award winners represent bright spots across North America that show progress in our field across multiple disciplines and approaches, from teaching and community engagement to research and environmental justice.” 

This year, 11 award recipients — an impressive slate of individuals and organizations from North America —were selected across 11 categories. For more information about the 2015 �������� Awards including eligibility requirements and a full list of winners, visit www.naaee.org/programs/leadership/awards.