Blk Out Fest 2023✨I'm honestly at a loss for words. Reflecting on this experience takes my breath away. As a Black climber, I've had to make some difficult negotiations. The hardest being the friction between playing outside, doing a sport I love, while also having to mute or alter parts of myself in order to feel safe or even just normal. It is exhausting and lately, has made climbing hard to enjoy.
Blk Out Fest is a reprieve, a healing space, a celebration. It is Black joy, wellness, love, magic, brilliance, excellence, and everything in between.
This year I'm grateful to have been more involved in the planning and execution. I’ve learned so much through the process and the weekend itself was intense. Physically and mentally it took everything I had and some more. But the overwhelming love, beauty, and sense of belonging I experienced in return is so precious and profound, my entire being is nourished. It may sound dramatic, but in some ways I feel like I've been reborn. I think this might be the best thing I've ever been a part of.
Thank you Tiffany(
@blkoutfest ) for your leadership and vision and
@myhana_not_myhanna for your camaraderie and being a dope teammate.
If I tried to name every person who shaped this experience for me I’d vastly exceed the post limit. Instead I’ll just say I’m honored to be a part of the Blk Out Fest community and excited to see it continue to grow. I'm proud of every single one of us, and so eager to see what we'll build together.
Thank you
@bleavitt8 (slides 1, 2, +3),
@trevorlately (slides 7 + 10),
@key.o.knee (slide 4), and my big sis (slides 8+9) for capturing some special moments.
For us🤎
#blkoutfest #blkoutfest2023 #blackclimbers #climbersofcolor #blackgirlsboulder #browngirlsclimb #rockclimbing #bouldering #bookertwashingtonstatepark #lookoutmountainconservancy #oldwauhatchieboulders
