Re-Connecting People of Color with the Great Outdoors—An Interview with Rue Mapp
September 21, 2013
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
During her childhood, Rue Mapp split her time between urban Oakland, California and her families’ ranch in the Northern woodlands, where she cultivated a passion for natural spaces, farming, and learned how to hunt and fish. But as an adult she was troubled by the fact that she rarely encountered other African Americans on the trails she hiked, or the outdoor vacations she enjoyed. As a result, she took action and created Outdoor Afro an organization that re-connects people of color with the great outdoors. For two decades she has hosted enriching outdoor activities and has used digital media as a tool to inspire and connect people of color who share open-air interests like camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing and gardening. Today her social media efforts reach 200,000 people monthly and she has trained a network of outdoor leaders in several urban areas across the United States who are getting people outdoors. We’re going to talk about her organization today, but we’re also going to talk about her personal story, what contributed to her beliefs about following ones passion, and what life offers when we choose to live a life that feeds our soul. Join us!
Bread for the Journey Radio
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
