Climbing in Color hosts Higher Ground fundraiser

Tucson rocks have long been a playground to climbers. But when the Climbing in Color founders entered the world of slabs and ridges, they saw something odd but not uncommon. There were not many people of color on the rocks.

“They noticed there weren’t a lot of people that looked like them in the community,” Treasurer Kellie Murakami said. “They wanted to elevate those voices, build up a community to meet people and give other people of color introductions and access to climbing.”

The group set out to create Climbing in Color, a nonprofit supporting climbers of color and allies with financial assistance and community resources. To celebrate its anniversary, the organization will launch its second Higher Ground fundraiser on Monday, April 24. Climbing in Color invites climbers and supporters to participate for a chance to win raffle prizes for their donations.

Climbing in Color started in 2019 as an Instagram account, highlighting climbers of color in Tucson and across the region. They’ve grown into a volunteer-led nonprofit with a goal to foster community and support those who can’t afford to engage in the sport.

“We financially support people of color and allies who want to get exposure to climbing,” Murakami said. “A lot of our systems are set up in such a way that they don’t support people of color getting into certain recreational activities.”

One of the ways they support the community is through Higher Ground. The fundraiser will run from Monday, April 24, to Friday, May 26, and is an opportunity to donate money and a challenge to climbers. Those who commit are encouraged to set a personal climbing goal, whether it’s peaking a rock formation or visiting a climbing gym for the first time.

Murakami noted not everyone who donates has to engage in the challenge but can enter for a chance to win sponsored prizes. For every $50 donated, participants will receive one raffle ticket for climbing accessories, including those provided by Black Diamond and Summit Hut. The top three fundraisers will get their pick of the prizes.

Climbing in Color’s goal is $8,000, and Murakami indicated the money will go directly to climbers and events in Tucson.

“We’re focusing it all on Tucson climbers,” Murakami said. “Mainly, we use it to subsidize both indoor and outdoor climbing events and educational clinics. We partner with other climbing organizations… There’s a lot of overlap between the climbing groups in Tucson.”

Climbing in Color will partner with Rocks and Ropes to give out a few spots for its lead climbing clinic. The nonprofit is also working with Granite Mountain Guides to subsidize the cost of services for their end-of-the-year outdoor event.

Along with sponsoring events, Climbing in Color will also help fund scholarships for POC climbers to go toward equipment and experiences.

“Our annual fundraiser helps us increase access to climbing by allowing us to provide climbing scholarships, gym passes and outdoor climbing opportunities for climbers of color and allies,” President Angela Soliz said in a statement.

Climbing in Color hosts regular climbing meetups at Rock Solid Climbing and Rocks and Ropes. With their POC Climb Nights, the organization encourages climbers of all levels to come out and experience the sport with a strong community.

Murakami noted the group provides mentorship, inviting new people to their events and introducing them to the sport. They provide resources and means for those interested to learn about climbing, ensuring the activity is fun, safe and accessible to all. With their upcoming fundraiser, Climbing in Color will continue to help POC climbers and allies find Higher Ground, here in Tucson and across the globe.

“Anyone around the world can join, and you get to work toward your climbing goal with a community of support,” Soliz stated. “If you don’t climb but want to support, you can sponsor a fundraiser. It’s a lot of fun and so much good comes out of this fundraiser every year.”

This article appears in Apr 20-26, 2023.