Building Community Through Outdoor Adventure

In this episode of 'How We Connected,' hosts Aaron and Charlotte discuss the importance of community and connection in America - and the launch of the State of Connection report. Their guest today is Tracy Stephens, founder of the BLK Hiking Club. Tracy shares his journey from a novice hiker to leading a thriving community of black hikers in the south. The episode explores the challenges and triumphs the group faces, the transformative power of outdoor activities, and Tracy's vision for expanding the group. Aaron and Charlotte also share personal stories about their weekends and reflect on the broader impact of fostering inclusive spaces in the outdoor industry.

00:00 Introduction & Chamber Updates

15:23 Tracy's Origin Story

17:27 Discovering Hiking

22:49 The Moment That Started BLK Hiking Club

25:57 Growing the Community

31:59 Expanding Beyond Hiking

34:55 The South's Unique Context

39:21 Closing Thoughts

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How We Connected explores the conversations that power communities across the United States. Aaron Hurst and Charlotte Massey share what they’re building at the US Chamber of Connection and speak with leaders whose work strengthens local connection. Episodes offer human stories, practical insights, and ideas you can use in your own community.

Aaron Hurst, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, is a longtime entrepreneur focused on purpose and community. He founded Imperative and the Taproot Foundation and wrote The Purpose Economy.

Charlotte Massey, Co-Founder of the US Chamber of Connection, leads community programs nationally. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and former organizer and founder, she works at the intersection of civic life and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Us

www.chamberofconnection.org

BLK Hiking Club

www.blkhikingclub.com

Tracy Stephens, Founder, BLK Hiking Club

Tracy started hiking back in 2018. He was introduced to hiking after his boss invited him to go to the mountains. He was hesitant because he always kind of lived by that stereotype that “Black people don’t hike”. He decided to take the chance and go on the hike. He fell in love with it immediately. Soon he was telling his friends about the hobby, hoping to get people together to hike with him. For the next three years he hiked on his own. In 2020, he created a logo for a group he would come to call “BLK Hiking Club,” but he was hesitant to get started. New Years Day of 2021 came around and he went hiking with a friend. They met a Black woman on the trail who spoke with them about her experiences. She talked about the traumas of hiking alone, seeing signs and political messages that made her fearful. Coming back down the mountain, Stephens realized what he had to do. He had the idea; the logo already solidified. It was time to make a plan and put it in action. He went home, created a social media page and the rest was history.

Heylo

https://www.heylo.com

Heylo is a community-management platform built for real-world groups of every kind, giving leaders a clean, branded home base to run events, manage members, communicate clearly, and handle payments without friction. It brings scheduling, RSVPs, waivers, announcements, topic-based chats, and membership tools into one place so clubs, teams, and interest groups can stay organized and connected without the noise of traditional social platforms.

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