COMMUNITY WORK

CRUXING IN COLOR

Cruxing in Color (CIC) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering self-identified climbers of color in the Denver area. CIC works to foster representation at the gym and crag, breaking down systemic barriers that have historically excluded people of color from these spaces.

Founded in 2020, CIC is built on the belief that everyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color deserves to be welcomed exactly as they are. But at its core, CIC is about so much more than climbing. It’s about joy, community, and creating transformative experiences that help individuals reclaim their sense of self, often diminished by the challenges of navigating racial and ethnic inequities. By fostering joy and connection instead of hate and division, we aim to make climbing—and all spaces—more inclusive and representative.

When Shara Zaia co-founded Cruxing in Color with Menesha Mannepperuma, she had only been climbing for about a year. Together, they expanded CIC’s vision beyond monthly meetups, turning it into a dynamic community movement.

Since 2020, CIC has achieved:

Monthly meetups that draw over 100 climbers per night
A gym membership scholarship program supporting 20 climbers across three Denver-area gyms
A single-night fundraiser that raised $11,000, setting a record for attendance at Movement RiNo
Media coverage in publications such as Climbing Magazine, The Daily, Gym Climber, City Lifestyle, Boulder Weekly, and the AAC Guidebook to Membership
A thriving community of over 5,000 climbers
Clinics and presentations at climbing festivals including the Craggin' Classic, Ten Sleep Climbers' Festival, and No Man’s Land Film Festival
Funding for Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) scholarships, photography workshops, stewardship projects, and other outdoor events
An invitation to host an exhibit at TEDx Mile High 2023
Membership in the American Alpine Club Climb United Affiliate Support Network

CIC’s Mission in Action

Whether it’s amplifying voices, opening doors, or creating pathways for climbers of color, Cruxing in Color continues to push the boundaries of representation and access in climbing.

Let’s build this community together. Reach out to get involved!

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US?

Donate To Support Our Work

Cruxing in Color runs strictly on a volunteer basis and we rely on donations to help support our mission.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING

It wasn’t until Cruxing in Color that I actually felt like a real climber.

- Sushia Rahimizadeh (he/him)

I don’t fit the demographic of a typical Colorado climber at all. Whether I’m inside the gym or outside at the crag, I’m surrounded by mostly white males and it is so easy to feel like a space isn’t meant for you when you're such an obvious outsider.

- Sade (they/them)

The energy was completely different - no stares, just smiles, good conversation, and my blackness was never the center of attention. I’d never seen so many climbers of color in one space.

- Sheyan Clark (she/her)