This February, the Mappy Hour community met for an awesome night of discussion about the black trail blazers of our future and past. Gathering in the outdoor tents of our host, Threes Brewing in Brooklyn, our guests grabbed their drink discounts (wooo happy hour!) and settled in for a night of great conversation. Cozied up under the blasting heaters and glowing garden lights as we started off learning about American badass, James Beckwourth. Originally born into slavery, after being freed by his master/father Beckwourth became a mountain man, fur trader, and explorer, that lived with the Crow Nation and was true trailblazer in the American West, pushing boundaries and cultural norms until his death in 1866.
After our history lesson began a panel discussion moderated by the one and only Kareemah Batts (Founder of the Adaptive Climbing Group, Director of the Brooklyn Boulders Foundation and national advocate for diversity and inclusion). With special guests Kade Diakite (Youth Programs Coordinator for Brooklyn Boulders), Courtney Williams (Founder of The Brown Bike Girl), and Pieter Cooper and Mikhael Martin (Founders of Brothers of Climbing), we launched into heartfelt conversation about the importance the inclusion and representation of people of color in the outdoors. The night also included everything from travel tips on how to find cheap flights to the politics of bicycle lanes to more than one shoutout to rising star Kai Lightner. Our honored trailblazers then opened up the floor for our guests to participate in what turned into a truly touching talk that had everyone laughing, crying, and feeling truly inspired.
Thanks to all of our wonderful guests, and a huge thank you to our trailblazers Kareemah, Kade, Courtney, Pieter, and Mikhael, and our host Threes Brewing!
