Listen in for a powerful conversation with “Black & Outdoors” leaders reclaiming space in the wild—from campfires to cookouts, mountaintops to backroads—building community, safety, and joy in nature.
Episode Summary
From city streets to forest trails, Black outdoor leaders are reshaping how we engage with nature. In this Soul Mondays LIVE conversation, host Calvin Baldwin sits down with Earl B. Hunter Jr. (Black Folks Camp Too), Rashad & Ron Frazier (Camp Yoshi), Jonathan Weston (Wanderland Camping), and Necota Staples (Black People Off-Road) to discuss reclaiming the outdoors, building inclusive spaces, and creating healing experiences in nature.
The discussion touches on the barriers Black communities have faced, from generational fear to exclusion, and how these trailblazers are addressing them through innovation, data, curated adventures, and safe spaces for exploration. Whether through fine dining in the backcountry, tech platforms that open access to campgrounds, or vehicle-based off-road adventures, these leaders are redefining what it means to thrive outdoors.
Key Takeaways
🌍 The outdoors has always been part of Black history—now it’s about reclaiming joy and presence.
🔥 Entrepreneurship and community-building are reshaping access to nature.
🚙 Vehicle-based adventures provide both safety and empowerment.
🍲 Curated outdoor dining creates comfort and confidence for new campers.
🗺 The “Unity Blaze Map” is a modern Green Book for inclusive campgrounds.
🧭 Confidence and rest are key benefits of outdoor immersion.
🤝 Collaboration between leaders accelerates change and creates lasting safe spaces.
Chapter Timestamps (Estimated)
[00:00] Introductions – the panel gathers
[11:00] Why Black Outdoors? Framing the conversation
[14:00] Earl B. Hunter Jr. – From RV exec to Black Folks Camp Too
[15:45] Rashad & Ron Frazier – Building Camp Yoshi
[17:50] Jonathan Weston – Tech + camping for everyone
[20:00] Necota Staples – The origin of Black People Off-Road
[35:00] The messy middle – challenges and breakthroughs
[55:00] Audience Q&A – safety, family, and finding your niche
Notable Quotes
“Black Folks Camp Too isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mission.” – Earl B. Hunter Jr.
“Our clients find rest: no phones, no service, no code-switching. Just presence.” – Rashad Frazier
“Confidence comes from touching the gear, driving the Jeep, and realizing: we do this too.” – Ron Frazier
“Camping is for everyone—city folks, technologists, families—it’s about healing.” – Jonathan Weston
“Frank the Tank was my first Land Cruiser. I had to learn the hard way, and I wanted others to see that too.” – Necota Staples
“America isn’t built on kumbaya—it’s built on ROI. We meet them there.” – Earl B. Hunter Jr.
People & Orgs Mentioned
Earl B. Hunter Jr. – Founder, Black Folks Camp Too
Rashad & Ron Frazier – Co-founders, Camp Yoshi
Jonathan Weston – Founder, Wanderland Camping / Wonderland Society
Necota Staples – Founder, Black People Off-Road
Calvin Baldwin – Host, Soul Thursdays
Earl B. Hunter Jr. – Founder of Black Folks Camp Too, Earl is a former RV industry executive who launched his award-winning company in 2019 to increase Black participation in camping and ensure inclusion in outdoor economies. His Unity Blaze Map is transforming access and safety in outdoor recreation.
Rashad & Ron Frazier – Co-founders of Camp Yoshi, the brothers create curated camping adventures blending gourmet meals, remote destinations, and community building. Since 2020, they’ve been guiding Black and brown campers into transformative outdoor experiences across the U.S. and abroad.
Jonathan Weston – Founder of Wanderland Camping and the Wonderland Society, Jonathan develops technology platforms and campgrounds that expand access to nature. His projects include campgroundlist.com and partnerships with Campgrounds of America, bringing scale and accessibility to outdoor recreation.
Necota Staples – Founder of Black People Off-Road, Necota creates safe spaces for Black adventurers through vehicle-based outdoor exploration. His work highlights healing, safety, and adventure while redefining how Black communities engage with the outdoors.
