First black woman in the U.S. to own an indoor rock climbing gym.
“You know how to climb before you know how to walk.”Those were the words of encouragement from rock climber, Abby Dione, to people, particularly black women, who would want to make rock climbing a favourite workout or sport. For over 12 years that she has been climbing, Dione has used her journey too. Today, she is the first Black woman in the U.S. to own and operate an indoor rock climbing gym.
This was after she had purchased Coral Cliffs Climbing Gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2011. The gym was created as an avenue to expose more people of colour to the activity, Melanin Base Camp reports. Since the opening of Coral Cliffs, Dione has been using her space and experience to nurture climbers and help enhance diversity in the field. Climbing is currently growing in popularity across the United States, however, black women form only a small percentage of U.S. climbing members and Dione wants to change that.
She has, therefore, launched numerous initiatives including the creation of a local youth rock climbing team and bouldering classes. Dione essentially wants to create “opportunities for people to meet and experience how powerful climbing could be. And doing it in a safe and fun environment.”Thus, in October 2017, she coached an introductory bouldering class at the first-ever diversity in a climbing festival, Colour the Crag. The rock climber described the experience as “a cool opportunity to instruct and mentor.”“I know a lot about climbing. I’m still learning but I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity and gift to teach and share it with people.”“I’ve been climbing long enough to remember when people would ask me if I was lost,” she said.