Today, we’re talking about something close to my heart: building a supportive community for Black climbers. Because let’s be honest—stepping into a climbing gym or showing up at the crag can feel intimidating when you don’t see anyone else who looks like you. And that’s a reality a lot of us face.

I want to start with this idea: community is powerful. It’s transformative. When you know there are people who’ve got your back, it changes how you move through the world—on and off the wall. But here’s the thing: supportive communities don’t just happen by accident. They take intention, effort, and a shared commitment to creating space for each other.

So, what does that look like in climbing? Well, first, it starts with connection. If you’re Black and you’re climbing, you might already know how rare it is to run into another Black climber, especially at your local gym. So when you do, it’s like this little unspoken celebration: “Oh, hey, you’re here too!” But we shouldn’t have to rely on chance. There are groups out there doing amazing work to bring us together. Organizations like Brothers of Climbing or Brown Girls Climb create intentional spaces where we don’t just show up—we’re centered. If you’re new to climbing or just looking for that sense of community, finding groups like these can be a game-changer.

But it’s not just about finding other climbers who look like you—it’s about building relationships that uplift and empower. A supportive community doesn’t just cheer for you when you send a problem. It’s there when you’re struggling, whether that’s with a move on the wall or feeling like you don’t belong in the space. It’s there to remind you that you do belong, that your presence is valid, and that your contributions matter.

Let’s talk about mentorship, too, because this is a big piece of the puzzle. I think a lot of us underestimate how much representation in leadership matters. Seeing Black climbers as coaches, guides, or just seasoned experts changes the game. It tells us, “Hey, this is possible for you, too.” And when we mentor each other—whether that’s formally or informally—it creates a ripple effect. You’re not just helping one climber; you’re opening doors for everyone they’ll inspire down the line.

Now, here’s something else that’s crucial: accessibility. Climbing is not cheap. Between the gear, the gym memberships, and travel costs if you’re heading outdoors, it adds up fast. A supportive community recognizes this and works to lower those barriers. That might look like sharing resources, organizing gear swaps, or advocating for gyms to offer discounted memberships or free climbing days for underrepresented groups. It’s about making sure no one gets left out because they can’t afford to participate.

Another key part of building community is creating safe spaces—emotionally safe spaces. That means calling out racism or microaggressions when they happen and making it clear that those behaviors won’t be tolerated. But it also means creating spaces where we don’t have to explain ourselves, where we don’t have to shrink or downplay our Blackness to fit in. It’s about being able to show up fully, as we are, and know we’ll be supported.

And let’s not forget joy. Because, listen, climbing is hard—it pushes you physically, mentally, emotionally. But it’s also supposed to be fun. When we build community, we’re not just surviving in these spaces. We’re thriving. We’re celebrating our wins, laughing at our falls, and finding the pure joy of movement and connection. That’s just as important as tackling the harder stuff.

Now, let me shift gears a little and talk about how gyms and outdoor spaces can support these efforts. If you run a climbing gym or an organization, ask yourself: Are we doing enough to support Black climbers? Are we partnering with groups that serve underrepresented communities? Are we hosting events or meetups that focus on inclusion? Are our staff and instructors diverse? Because when businesses invest in these initiatives, it amplifies the work that communities are already doing.

Finally, I want to say this: Building a supportive community isn’t just a one-time effort. It’s ongoing. It’s showing up for each other, again and again. It’s creating spaces where we can all grow, learn, and thrive—where we can push past the limits of what we thought was possible. And for Black climbers, that’s not just about climbing higher; it’s about redefining what the outdoor world can look like and making it better for everyone who comes after us.