134. The San Antonio Nonprofit Bringing Black Youth Back to Nature

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 OutsideThe family and local history behind programming, including the revival of Camp Founder GirlsHow Black Outside approaches youth development, self-confidence, and cultural connectionChallenges of funding, capacity, and inclusivity in outdoor educationThe broader impact of community knowledge and how local organizations can further diversify access to San Antonio’s natural spacesRECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #81. Ronald Davis: Slavery in Texas – Explore the overlooked legacy of Black cowboys and the deep roots of slavery in Texas. Curator Ronald Davis joins Bob Rivard to unravel hidden histories, share insights from the Witte Museum’s acclaimed exhibition, and discuss why telling a fuller, more inclusive story of Texas matters now more than ever.CONNECT📸 Connect on Instagram🔗 Join us on LinkedIn🎥 Subscribe on YouTubeSPONSORS🙌 Support the show & see our sponsorsTHANK YOU⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⭐ Rate us on Spotify