About Us
Black heroes shaped America’s National Parks. Our Heritage Outside honors their legacy. Join us in exploring, learning, and celebrating their contributions to these awe-inspiring landscapes.
Our Mission
We amplify unsung Black heroes and celebrate the contributions that all Communities of Color have made in America’s history of nature preservation. Our goal is to make Black influence in the national parks top of mind for visitors, historians, teachers, students, outdoor enthusiasts, and the surrounding park community, inspiring further study and appreciation for their contributions.
Our Founders
The Our Heritage Outside team consists of two Black, self-identified National Park geeks and hobby historians, Ashley Dinzey and Janae Green. It was inspired by our first trip to a National Park together at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. From the exhibits in the Visitor Center to the overwhelming presence of predominantly white travelers, we grappled with feeling a sense of belonging. It wasn’t until we attended a ranger’s talk that we discovered the significant contributions of Black historical figures to the park’s early history. This experience sparked our determination to explore the Black history present in all 63 National Parks and share these stories with both park enthusiasts and newcomers alike.