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CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE IN CLIMBING

CHATTANOOGA, TN

THE FEST

First Outdoor Company + Lookout Mountain Conservancy presents the Blk Out Fest held every Fall in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

This 3-day, 3-night retreat-style festival is designed to provide a safe space for mental wellness & rejuvenation for climbers of the African diaspora.

Each year, climbers from all across the United States descend upon Chattanooga, Tennessee for a weekend of climbing, fellowship and wellness. This one of a kind event highlights the insatiable spirit of climbing and fosters a deep connection with the Black climbing and outdoor community.

COMMUNITY
GUIDELINES

As a diverse community of climbers, we agree as a whole to the following community guidelines:

No homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, fat-phobia, racism, colorism, ableism or overall bad vibes
No beta-spraying (unless requested)
Unapproved or unrequested spotting
No physical assault or abuse of any kind
Please respect participant preferred pronouns
No disrespect of any kind

Male climber with camera on top of boulder looking at climbers below

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ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Our local advisory committee is made up of representatives based in Chattanooga Tennessee who provides guidance for the Blk Out Fest.

The Oatmeal Experience

ian sullivan

Ian Sullivan better known as “Sully” is a Chattanooga resident, entrepreneur, community leader, Husband and Father. His passion is improving his community through healthy habits by promoting healthy fathers in Black and Brown communities, hosting runs in inner city neighborhoods. A marathon finisher that uses his love for running to get the culture involved in moving and getting outside to enjoy the scenic city.

WYD Chatt

Haile nottage

Haile is passionate about education. She has worked as both an elementary & middle school educator, served as the “Director of Leadership & Character Development” with a youth-serving organization in town, and now oversees the School-Based and 18+ Career-Readiness programs for “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga”. Haile thoroughly enjoys building community and collaborating with others – whether through the weekly fitness class she teaches, through her social media page “wydchatt”, which aims to elevate small Chattanooga businesses, or through spending time enjoying the sun while exploring the city.

WeClimb Chattanooga

kendall martin

Kendall was born and raised in Florida but then moved to Chattanooga during his teens. He didn’t start climbing until age 20 when a friend invited him to a gym called TBA (Tennessee Bouldering Authority). Once he started climbing there, he was hooked and have been in love with the sport ever since. Fast forward to age 22 when he got the idea to start an affiliate group/nonprofit called WeClimb where they use climbing as a tool to introduce underserved youth to the outdoors. In 2024 they got their 501(c)(3) and business license, and the rest is history.

Climber | Model | Guide

GENEVIVE WALKER

Genevive is a professional rock climber, writer and an AMGA climbing guide based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Genevive has a passion for creating inclusive spaces where folks can learn to grow their skills in the outdoors. She writes blogs for numerous brands, teaches climbing based clinics throughout the country, and was recently seen on a USA Network show called Race to Survive Alaska. She continues to use her skills, passion, and platform to make a positive impact in the industry and in the lives of others. Genevive is supported by a number of industry-leading brands, including Mountain Hardwear, Evolv, DMM, and Sterling.

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