Anthony Owosekun is the Founder and CEO of EMPOCA, a NGO based in Berlin with a mission to connect Black youth with the outdoors. As a nature enthusiast, experiential educator, and social worker, Anthony witnessed the profound impact of nature on struggling students in schools. However, he also noticed a lack of diversity in outdoor spaces, a reality he understood all too well. This realization made him aware of the significance of this disparity and how it could potentially transform the lives of Black children and teenagers. Fueled by his vision, Anthony established EMPOCA with a simple mission: to empower Black children across Germany, Austria and Switzerland through immersive outdoor experiences. With a growing team of educators and nature enthusiasts, EMPOCA continues to expand and is currently the sole nature camp for Black children in Europe.
EMPOCAOpening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) brings together industry and community leaders to promote joy, excellence and belonging in the outdoors for People of Colour. Together we are striving to create an outdoor community and industry that is truly diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible. During this panel session, OUTO co-founder Keme Nzerem and OUTO Secretary General Margo de Lange are joined by Anthony Owosekun who runs EMPOCA. Germany based EMPOCA who organise outdoor camps that connect Black kids and teens with nature.
