Soul Trak Outdoors

This time last year, when I turned 25, I looked around at my closest friends and many others in my community and realized with everything I've done, there was still much left to do. After countless efforts to bridge black and brown communities to the many wild spaces I enjoyed - the community initiatives, program partnerships, information panels, speaking engagements, youth development work,  inspirational social media post and stories shared out to my community. I'd still find spend my weekend camping alone, struggling to find black and brown climbing partners and if I was getting friends out, they'd reluctantly tag along after I persuasively begged for days at a time. My peers, mentees and even mentors would watch from afar but still struggled to envision themselves taking part in my long expeditions, day hikes, or take swims. There were some POC who I could turn to for fun adventure but those individuals were limited and our numbers still lacked substantial growth. 

After my birthday I told myself that I'd do a better job at reaching out, extending my hand. I needed to present an invite, offering more people an opportunity to try something different, instead of just enjoying other people's fun from the sideline, actually getting in the game themselves. Prior to Soul Trak I had been doing really great work with youth here in DC, connecting youth to the outdoors. I was in a very happy place but I've never been one to settle in my comforts. The challenge of engaging black and brown people in the outdoors has always been close to home (literally).  

Last fall I left my job (because I'm crazy) and ever since, I've been working on getting @soultrakoutdoors off the ground here in DC. I've put so much of my time, energy and money back into my community. I remember organizing my first trip in December and thinking "You're already taking these folks out, do you really think you need to feed them too?  You've lost your mind!". They deserve it. I know what people require, I'm asking a lot of them, that seemed like the least of what I could do for now.  

Since this time last year, I've built a community here in DC. Youth, College students, and Adults that look forward to moments in the outdoors. We climb, we hike, we laugh, we brunch, we connect, we mentor, we lead. and we have a great time. 

Last year, I didn't have that. 

I traveled great distances searching for community, access, fresh air. All along its been here the entire time. I couldn't be more thankful for everyone involved.  Folks who showed any level of support throughout the process. Volunteers, participants, donors, folks with encouraging words. I truly appreciate you. 

April marks a year since I decided that I'd make something like this happen so I will be raising money all month to help support all the work we're doing with Soul Trak. I'm very excited about all the students and adults we've helped provide community to outside. 

Please feel free to share and donate to our Gofundme here: https://www.gofundme.com/soul-trak-outdoors

Also visit our website Soultrak.com to learn more and get involved! 

This Sunday I will also be hosting a barbecue/fundraiser in celebration of my birthday. Please see information below: 

100 Florida Ave NE 

Washington DC, 20002

(Garage Parking Available) 

Date: Sunday, April 7th 

Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm


Hope you all can make it!