What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1478755
On one hand, I'm from a time when being a dark- skinned athlete in the outdoors was imbued with a cruel significance. I wouldn't wish the burden of going first in so many arenas: mountain biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, the way I had to in my young life, on anyone. Being the first is a privilege and an honor. One that comes with a responsibility, as does any privilege or platform. And that is to ensure that we gift the next generation of women, BIPOCs and marginalized people with security: the freedom to fail up rather than down, so that they may be themselves, free of scrutiny, that they may direct their attention to pursuing even higher ideals. Is being the first/opening doors for other women a powerful sensation, knowing that more will follow in your footsteps? Countless women before me have dreamed of becoming astronauts, of having a chance to solve the world's biggest problems, of being professional athletes, filmmakers, etc., and it's impossible not to grieve their inaccessibility to such dreams. But we can take hope in knowing that while many of us don't get the world we so desperately want, we can still work to build it for those that come after us. I hold enormous gratitude for previous generations who sacrificed in their lives so that much would be possible in mine. Every barrier, every hurdle, I've overcome compels me to think of all the women I've encountered in my work, all the women in my family, all those who share my skin color who came before me who've fought much harder battles against much higher odds. My defiance is fueled by our collective resistance to thrive in a world not designed for us. It's important to recognize we are the dream of all our ancestors. What have those experiences been like as you break barriers? Would you describe one of those most memorable times? Although getting invited to big competitions is exciting, I think the most memorable moments for me have been the resounding success of the anti-racism mountain bike clinics and all the participants who have become passionate mountain bikers and educated allies over the years. Years ago, when I first started combining social impact education with high performance mountain bike skills coaching, I faced an enormous amount of resistance. Few people thought combining mountain biking with education on how to address the world's most pressing issues was even possible. But years of facing doubt and opposition in many areas of life has taught me to manage and overcome resistance. I can't even keep up with the global demand for the clinics now. I've read that a part of your coaching style is to lend insight into fighting institutional racism. I'm interested in how you incorporate that in a coaching clinic. The two experiences might seem disconnected, but they are both about empowering September 11-17, 2022 What'S up! 9 Faq Sunset Summit WHEN — Sept. 16-17 WHERE — The Momen- tary Green, 507 S.E. E. St., Bentonville COST — $259 general admission for two days of events with meals and group rides/skills clinics with two unique coach experiences or $499 VIP, includes OZ Art bike tour, swag bags and early entry to Friday evening's panel discussion for a meet and greet INFO — wozsunsetsum- mit.com FYI — You can find Anita Naidu on Instagram @abrownpanther. Pro mountain biker Anita Naidu learned about bentonville two years ago when Outside tV reached out to her to film mountain bike media there. Naidu says its reputation precedes it as a town organized around mountain biking with excellent infrastructure and trails. She's excited to meet the community, and lead riders off the famous hammer drop that she's heard so much about. (Courtesy photo/Logan Swayze photography) See Summit Page 38