At Kayak Black, our mission is to promote inclusivity and diversity in water sports by encouraging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to engage in kayaking and other water activities. We aim to break down barriers and make these experiences accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of community while highlighting the physical and mental health benefits that being in, on, or near water can provide. Through our initiatives, we invite individuals from all backgrounds to join us in celebrating the joy and well-being that comes from connecting with nature one paddle at a time. “Meet Me on the Water!”
Our Mission
About Us
R. Eric Campbell, Founder | CEO
Social Entrepreneur, Mentor, Chef & Innovator:
With over 34 years of experience mentoring teens and young adults, Eric Campbell has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation. He’s worked with respected organizations such as Healthy Teens & Young Adults, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Boys & Girls Club, focusing on community development, youth leadership, and personal growth.
In addition to his work in mentorship, Eric brings his love for food into everything he does. As a graduate of the esteemed Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Eric brings warmth, dignity, and care to every meal he prepares.
His love for becoming a chef is only matched by his passion for the outdoors—especially kayaking.
Eric’s deep connection to nature, especially the water, led him to found Kayak Black, a non-profit, (501c3) organization focused on encouraging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to engage in kayaking and other water-based recreation.
Through this initiative, Eric aims to break barriers, promote wellness, and inspire healing by inviting people to "meet him on the water:
Ghajiibah (ga|jee|ba) Campbell, Co-Founder
A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Peace
For over 31 years, Ghajiibah has worked in the dental field as a Practice Management Coach, software trainer, and instructor. Her professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to excellence, communication, and human connection. Through decades of guiding dental teams, she has helped countless individuals and practices grow with confidence and clarity.
Beyond her professional life, Ghajiibah has found profound inspiration and healing through her love of the outdoors and kayaking, and her passion for photography. The peaceful rhythm of paddling, the stillness of water, and the beauty of untouched landscapes have all contributed to her personal journey toward mindfulness and self-care.
These passions led to the co-founding of Kayak Black, which she launched alongside her husband and best friend of 35 years, Eric. Kayak Black was born from their shared desire to make the outdoors more accessible, to communities that have historically been underrepresented in outdoor recreation. At its heart, the organization is about more than fitness; it’s about mental health, connection, and finding peace in nature.
Whether she’s leading a professional workshop, capturing nature’s quiet beauty through her camera, or guiding a new paddler on the water for the first time, Ghajiibah brings warmth, wisdom, and purpose to everything she does.
Her life’s work is a testament to the healing power of nature, the strength of community, and the beauty of living with intention.
"Meet Me On The Water!"
Juneteenth, 2025
1865
Join Kayak Black as we Celebrate Freedom on the Water!
Contact Us
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. You can use the form on our website or email us directly. We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you.
Email: kayakblack01@gmail.com
Phone: (443)801-0435
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