The Black Foxes (TBF) started in 2020 with a mission to control our own narratives about Black folks recreating in outdoor spaces.
The Den Retreat is open to everyone, but it is centered around Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color. We want to create a welcoming environment for adult humans of all races, ethnicities, creed, sexual identity, orientation, gender expression, and any other way folks present themselves in this world.
When I first started attending events in the outdoor industry, it was impossible to ignore the lack of other people of color, especially other Black people. The events were never marketed as exclusionary to my community, although the vibe was always off. I’d actually been called a unicorn a few times, and while the people who said it were likely joking, the unfortunate truth was that there weren’t many other people who looked and presented as Black in those spaces. There were barely folks who weren’t white middle aged cis men, so when we decided to put on The Black Foxes Den Retreat, we wanted to make it very clear who would be centered at our event.
It was so lovely having a BIPOC centered space filled with laughs, joy, and outdoor recreation. There are enough events in the world where people don’t feel invited or included; we had no desire to create another one.
This year we’ll be in Old Fort, North Carolina at Camp Grier. There are campsites for those who like to rough it in the outdoors, and bunk beds inside a cabin for the folks that prefer to sleep indoors.
The inaugural TBF Den Retreat at Mulberry Gap in Ellijay, Georgia was such a good time that I absolutely cannot wait for this year. We’ve put together a fantastic list of activities including the all time classics of mountain biking, gravel biking, trail running, and hiking. There are also some fantastic off-the-bike activities and workshops in the pipeline!
I’m very excited about the 2024 TBF Den retreat, and can’t wait to fellowship and recreate with all of you at this BIPOC centered event. See you there!
