VI of VI    How does all of this affect us in climbing? I do recall one Black woman influencer admitting once that she preferred her hair chemically straightened. It was just her preference. Fair enough; but I would also like to add that the climbing industry itself also pushes Black people to assimilate with ourContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part VI"

V of VI    Since in the past there were no laws regarding food labeling, additives, or health claims this meant that people could not sue with the law on their side. This slowly changed and ideas such as individual lawsuits or class action lawsuits for harm by a for profit company became an option. AContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part V"

IV of VI    The FDA was mostly focused on drugs and food, however, their power also extends to cosmetics. In line with some criticisms of the FDA, some of their guidelines could also be called into question. One example would be the consumption and use of propylene glycol.     In my natural hair care journey, IContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part IV"

III of VI    In the US we have two entities that really control policy surrounding chemical exposure: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Through OSHA we will look at worker interactions with specifically the chemical formaldehyde, which is found in many hair relaxing products. As a note: formaldehyde isContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part III"

II of VI    In my particular case, I was never truly cared for in general, but especially in the context of my hair. No one took the time to learn about my hair or get me resources. Yes this was back when the internet was still not super popular; especially with the people attempting toContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part II"

I of VI My mind is a weapon And my body is a battlefield And I know my soul's intentions To know what is, to know what's real I don't need armor, I'm more than brave Gotta go harder, I will not be a slave Armor by Iniko1    Black hair has always been a bigContinue reading "Black Hair in Climbing, Continued Part I"

Climb Malawi Fundraiser-Seattle March 2025 Host and speakers of the panel Host: Crystal Hudelson (Rock Rose Blog, LLC and the Washington Climbers Coalition) Speakers: Sof Petros (Out in the Wild and Edge Outdoors) Eric Ballentine (Minority Veterans of America) Kasim Carter (Outdoor Afro) Phillip Henderson (Full Circle Expeditions, Inc.) Chevon Powell (Golden Bricks Events andContinue reading "Black Organizers of the Pacific Northwest Panel"

A chat with Mel Fernandes of A Higher Calling PNW where we talk about the Reel Rock petition and the work she does in the survivor of sexual assault advocacy work in the outdoors and climbing. Mel expands on the topics of The Reel Deal on this podcast, so it is suggested to finish thatContinue reading "The Reel Deal Chat with Mel"

Part V of V ***Content warning: “Indian boarding schools”, rape, assault, violence***    It’s Part V! I had no intention of continuing this series so soon, however, the unfortunate news of famous climber and snowboarder Lonnie Kauk’s violent behavior1 toward his girlfriend came on the heels of the release of this series.    This gives me anotherContinue reading "The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy"

Part IV of V **Content warning for rape and sexual assault**    “A federal judge Tuesday sentenced a professional rock climber to life in prison after his conviction for aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact that occurred in 2016 at Yosemite National Park. Charles Barrett, 40, raped a woman three separate times over a weekendContinue reading "The Reel Deal: Women, Policy, and Autonomy"