Today we’d like to introduce you to Darian Moore
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I joined Young bLAck and Outside (YBO) in the summer of 2023, and by February 2024, I took on a leadership role, continuing the vision that began in 2022. The group started as a way to connect Black young adults through social activities, but with my background, I saw an opportunity to expand its purpose. My passion for the outdoors shifted the focus to activities like learning to surf and fish, and volunteer work, as well as professional development events, and holistic wellness and mental health-centered activities.
I’ve been doing outreach across LA, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties, with plans to expand further out. When I joined, we had a few hundred members, and now we’re at over 1,000.
Before YBO, I was an adventure leader during my undergraduate years at Cal State, which included organizing backpacking and camping trips to national parks. After earning my BA, I worked as a beekeeper and assisted at an animal sanctuary, which deepened my love for nature and conservation. During my postgraduate years, before my MA I expanded my love for the outdoors doing activities like rock climbing and mountain biking.
One of the bigger goals for YBO is to create a community where we can experience the outdoors through quarterly transformational retreats in different environments, like the mountains, beaches, or desert, while also getting the youth involved and creating sustainable support systems.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In terms of obstacles, one of the biggest challenges has been organizing events with large groups. Usually, larger groups have multiple organizers, but I’m currently managing events solo, which requires a lot of coordination. However, collaborating with similar groups has been a game-changer. By partnering with others, we’re able to support one another, and offer a wider variety of experiences for our members, making the community stronger and more connected. These collaborations allow us to keep growing and impact together.
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building momentum. As a niche group, it took time to find others who shared the vision of outdoor exploration as more than just an activity, but a space for healing, connection, and personal growth. Organizing outdoor events also comes with logistical challenges like securing the right permits, finding accessible locations, and dealing with fluctuating attendance, especially when you’re working with people new to these kinds of experiences.
Another hurdle has been balancing my other commitments – I’m a full-time teacher, graduate student, business owner, non profit founder and have a few leadership positions in Rotary. That balancing act can feel overwhelming, but it’s also what keeps me grounded and motivated to continue pushing YBO forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
You may stay up to date via our Instagram @BLKOutsiiide, Eventbrite and my personal page @In2Pink. I’m proud of the positive feedback I have received since the launch of YBO, whether through DMs, high event ratings, or seeing people
become friends, form relationships, and even date after our events. While online
communities are helpful, they often lead to surface-level connections full of like-minded
people without much practical or tangible aims or objectives. YBO differentiates itself
from typical online communities by targeting a wide array of people with all types of
social characteristics and professional backgrounds seeking a sense of community or
just wants to have a good time.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
As for qualities that have contributed to my success, resilience is the most essential. There’s always an element of uncertainty when organizing group events, especially when they’re outdoors. I’ve learned to pivot quickly, troubleshoot problems on the fly, and adapt to changing circumstances. Having a clear vision and staying focused on the bigger picture also fuels my drive. I’ve also developed a strong sense of community, understanding that the most successful endeavors are built on relationships, and fostering those bonds is what makes everything worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blkoutsiiide/
