Celebrate Black History Month OUTDOORS 

February is here and we’re ready to celebrate Black History Month with a week of outdoor (and virtual) community events. We’ll bike, jog, garden, and Zumba with Black-led organizations in historically significant Black spaces while we learn about Black History in Pittsburgh and the outdoors.  

COVID Precautions: Programs will either be fully virtual or will be in-person and require participants to wear masks and socially distanced.  

Jogging through History 

Feb 21, 12:30-2pm |in-person | $5-$8

Jogging through History is an urban jog starting at Bigham House in Chatham Village. The Bigham House is believed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. All jogger levels are welcome! There will be a fast paced group and a NO DROP group (meaning we’ll go the pace of the slowest runner).  

Want to keep your workout going? End your jog at Zumba in the Park 👇🏿 

Zumba in the park 

Feb 21, 2-3pm |in-person | $3-$5

Zumba in the Park with Kemah is an outdoor, thumping, high energy class meant to get you grooving! Bring a towel, a water bottle, wear your mask. Bring your kids as participants or to play on the nearby playground while you get your workout. It may be chilly, but the movement will warm you right up! 

Indoor Herbal Gardening with Grow Pittsburgh 

Feb 26, 10-11:30am| virtual | $6-$7 covers supplies 

You’ll be set up with 3 pots, 3 types of seeds, 3 labels, and soil.  Then learn from the experts at Grow Pittsburgh who will teach you everything you need to start your own indoor garden.  

Black History Ride with Major Taylor Pittsburgh 

Feb 27, 11:30am –2pm | in-person | $5-$8

Ride with the Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club! Meetup at Everyday Cafe, a black owned establishment in Homewood. Ride approximately 8-10 miles, learning about the Homewood/Larimer areas, its black history, and Major Taylor Cycling.  

Fun Fact: Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor (1878-1932), the name-sake of the club, was the world’s first black sports superstar. He was world cycling champion in 1899, American sprint champion in 1900, and set numerous track cycling records. 

Hiking for City Folks

Feb 27, 1pm –3pm | in-person | $5-$6

It’s hiking, but for city folks. 😉 Learn to “Leave no Trace” and “How to Get Unlost” with Venture Outdoors and Outdoor Afro on a leisurely stroll.

Snow Trek (Winter Urban Hike) in Homewood

Feb 28, 11am –1pm | in-person | $8-$10

Take a hike through Homewood with Grounded Strategies and Venture Outdoors. Grounded will provide the educational background on Homewood’s history and the projects they have underway to enhance it’s natural beauty. Venture Outdoors will provide HOT COCOA and walking sticks.

While we enjoy celebrating Black History Month in February, we believe it’s important to acknowledge and learn more about Black History all year long. Get outdoors with us this week, but please continue to follow your Black-led outdoor organizations and clubs, and come back for more Black-centered outdoor activities with Venture Outdoors.