Juneteenth 2025
The Past
Throughout history, media has created a false narrative of what Juneteenth is by painting it as a “celebration” to the end of slavery in the United States. In reality, the date commemorates the day 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free on June 19, 1865 – 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation (signed Jan. 1, 1863) went into effect.
Outdoor Afro is course-correcting this narrative by sharing Black history and present nationwide. As we reflect on freedom delayed, we also honor the profound connections between liberation and access to natural spaces—especially our waterways.
Throughout history, water has been both a pathway to freedom and a space of healing for Black communities. From the Underground Railroad’s river crossings to the beaches that became sanctuaries during segregation, our relationship with water runs deep.
This Juneteenth, we’re honoring a few remarkable Black water conservationists whose work continues to inspire our mission to strengthen Black connections to water, wildlife, and the healing power of nature. Read the blog to learn more.
The Present
Today, our work continues. Our organization’s theme this year is Connection—reflecting our commitment to strengthening relationships to nature, to each other and our communities, and ease of connection through our new Outdoor Afro app.
As in previous years, water remains central to our mission. Through our Making Waves program, we’re addressing a critical need that stems directly from the historic prohibition of Black access to beaches and public pools. We launched Making Waves in 2019 in response to the alarming number of Black children who drown today, as a result of this historic exclusion.
Swimming is a life-saving skill, and everyone deserves to feel safe, confident, and free in the water. Our goal is to help every Black child and their caregivers within our sphere of influence learn how to swim, and help Black communities re-develop a positive relationship with water.
The Future
Our work is far from over, but let’s take a moment to appreciate what we’ve accomplished together. Through Making Waves, we’ve covered the cost of over 4,000 beginner swim lessons for Black families and communities across the country. But there’s more work to do—and more families ready to dive in.
Looking ahead, our 2025 goal is ambitious but achievable: ensuring another 2,000 Black people learn life-saving swim skills while unlocking the joy of water. We envision a future where every Black child feels as safe and confident in water as they do on land—a future where access to waterways is not a privilege but a birthright.
To reclaim our legacy and strengthen relationships with water, we’re continuing to partner with U.S. swim providers to fund lessons in water safety and basic swimming techniques. Your support helps us reach even more people, remove financial barriers, and make life-saving water skills accessible to all.
How can you get involved?
Simply Get Outside. By doing so, you’re pledging to join us in the outdoors. That’s it.
This Juneteenth, enjoy a nearby water source or greenspace in your neighborhood for 2.5 hours—to reflect on and honor the 2.5 years that freedom was delayed for the 250,000 enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas. Whether it’s a nearby beach, swimming pool, lake, or public park with a fountain, spend time connecting with land and water and reflecting on the question: What does freedom mean to me?
If you’re interested in supporting in other ways, below are a few other avenues to get involved:
Support Making Waves
Help us reach our goal of providing swim lessons to 2,000 more Black folks in 2025. Your donation removes financial barriers and makes life-saving water skills accessible to families who need them most.
Apply for a Swim Scholarship
Ready to dive in? Apply for a Making Waves Swim Scholarship! We’ll cover the cost of beginner swim lessons, making this life-saving skill accessible to you and your family.
Find Water Activities Near You
Discover water-based trips and activities in your area on the Outdoor Afro App. From kayaking adventures to beach cleanups to free swimming lessons, connection to water and community is just a tap away.