“Im @rahrobinson, a Creative Director from Harlem, NYC. Climbing for me happened by accident but felt like fate. I always had a curiosity for the sport and knew about a gym in Brooklyn, but never met anyone who climbed. It was going to take something special to get me in the door. One Father's Day weekend, I spent the day at an outdoor festival with my mini where she and I entered into an obstacle course challenge. Wildly enough, we both got 1st place. She took home the medal for girls and I won in the men's division with the prize of a one-year membership to a local climbing gym. This was the start of a new wave of climbers - a dad x daughter duo from Harlem, NYC.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣I started my journey indoors, but quickly got outside to touch some real rock as soon as I could. The feeling of preparing for a climbing trip, local or states away, brings a different type of energy into our lives (my climbing crew & I) that didn’t exist before in my life. I always wanted to continue to find ways to discover and keep peace in my life, and this was an energy that vibrated differently - a joy I never knew. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣It’s pretty insane how folks still question, if “Black people actually climb?” You clearly haven’t seen my Instagram :). This question always baffled me because when you actually break it down, are they asking if we are physically capable OR are we still playing ignorant and acting as though black men only are capable of a handful of sports? It’s ludicrous. We can and have been doing it all since before Free Solo made the industry cool and before George Floyd was murdered over something that could have been discussed and amicably solved, had his skin been white.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣We’re here to leave our mark on this sport and in this world. We show up, we show out, and we create moments together that will forever live in our history as BIPOC in the outdoor space. Follow our journey and let’s keep the conversation about inclusion going.” ⁣Words by @rahrobinson Photos by @urbanclimbr

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