“The excitement is real – for myself, for the others, for us as a group – for what has been set in motion. Our perspectives on climbing, how we approach it and how it fits in our lives may have been unique, but the feeling of responsibility to give back and empower our people was mutual.” – Rodel Querubin, AMGA BIPOC SPI Course Participant
In May of 2020, Black Diamond pledged $250,000 to increase diversity and accessibility in the outdoors. They wanted those funds to become more than a one-time donation and instead create real change in the community, the industry, and in the outdoors as a whole. One part of their plan included their partnership with the American Mountain Guides Association.
In order to start the journey of Building Industry Leaders, Black Diamond sponsored two Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) scholarship affinity courses. Included in the scholarship was course tuition, a travel stipend, and a gear stipend. It was important to Black Diamond that these scholarships not only reduced the monetary barriers for participants, but also the emotional, geographical, and social barriers people within the BIPOC community often face.
“Thanks to Black Diamond the next generation of guides will continue to restructure the outdoors, and help create an outdoors for everyone.” – Katerine Grajales-Betancur, AMGA BIPOC SPI Course Participant
We at Black Diamond realize these goals and objectives are minor compared to the challenges we face as a nation. However, they are a starting place. We intend to grow and build on these initiatives every year, and have already allocated future funds necessary for these programs to continue.