Finding Joy: Black Communities Embrace New Hobbies
For many Black peopel, the pandemic brought about a shift in priorities, leading to a rediscovery of joy in unexpected places. Activities once inaccessible due to systemic racism or simply not culturally prevalent in Black communities are now being embraced, offering a sense of freedom, flexibility, and a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life.
Tonya Parker, a 63-year-old flight attendant with a full life of travel, ballet, and yoga, never expected to fall in love with golf. but when the pandemic limited her usual activities, she found herself drawn to the sport, initially viewing it as a mundane pastime.
“I never thought that a Black woman like me, 63 years old, woudl ever find something that I just absolutely love at this point of my life,” Parker expressed. “It’s opened up a whole new world for me.” Her story resonates with many in the Black community who are finding solace and fulfillment in pursuing new passions.These newfound hobbies offer not only mental stimulation but also significant health benefits. linda goler Blount, president of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, emphasizes the role these activities play in reducing stress.
“What these folks are doing is giving themselves not only something else to think about, but also giving additional meaning to their lives,” saeid Blount, who is also an epidemiologist.
She notes that activities like golf, coloring, or reading can help manage cortisol levels, a stress hormone linked to high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and inflammation.
Its a powerful reminder that self-care takes many forms, and finding joy in unexpected places can make a world of difference.
It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor either. Joy can be found in simple pleasures,reminding us that the most vital pursuit is our own well-being.technical
Finding Joy on the Green and in the Sky
For Tonya Parker, the pursuit of passions has led to unexpected joys. Picking up golf in her late 40s, Parker discovered a sport that offers a unique blend of personal challenge, social connection, and meditative escape.
A Solitary Pursuit with Social Rewards
Parker finds immense satisfaction in the solitary nature of golf, even when playing with groups. ”I’m drawn to the solitary pursuit. Although you’re with a group and there can be a lot of chatter around you, you still have this solitary pursuit that challenges you. I love that,” she said.
Golf also provides a valuable social outlet, particularly through her group, the Chocolate Chix with Stix.This group of about 12 Black women golfers in Atlanta meets regularly for rounds, providing camaraderie and friendship that Parker treasures.
“ItS not easy for Black women to make new friends, especially at my age. But through golf,these ladies have been true friends and mean everything to me,” she said. “It’s priceless — and another benefit of this new thing in my life that has brought me so much joy.”
Discovering New Passions
Parker’s newfound love for golf followed on the heels of another life-changing discovery: flying. This pursuit instilled a sense of freedom and accomplishment that extended beyond the cockpit.
“Discovering and loving and playing golf has definitely brought me joy,” Parker said. “
Her experiences highlight the power of pursuing passions at any age, discovering new interests and finding joy in unexpected places.
Finding Freedom 3,000 Feet Above Earth: Black Skydiver Breaks Barriers
For Baudelaire Fleurant, an airplane mechanic from Big Lake, Minnesota, skydiving is more than just a hobby; it’s a source of exhilaration and a way to defy expectations.In the past year, he has embraced the sport, finding a rush of fear, excitement, accomplishment, and pure joy all at once.
Fleurant’s journey began with a desire for a social outlet beyond his demanding work schedule. He discovered “fun diving,” a style of skydiving where individuals parachute to the ground after a freefall from an aircraft.Intrigued by its uniqueness, particularly for Black people, he decided to take the plunge.
After rigorous training at the institution Veterans Skydive for Life, Fleurant embarked on his first skydiving experience. Aboard a Cessna 172 uniform over Minnesota, he prepared to jump alongside three other skydivers. The instructor asked him to go first.
Despite his initial confidence, Fleurant was confronted with a surge of fear as the aircraft door opened, a powerful gust of wind blasting him. “I thought, ‘What am I doing here?'” he recalled, questioning his decision in that moment of intense vulnerability.
Gathering his courage, Fleurant stepped forward, placing a foot outside the aircraft. His experience exemplifies the bravery required to embrace the unknown and challenge personal limitations.
The Thrill and Relief of Skydiving
Skydiving offers a powerful escape from the pressures of daily life, providing a unique adrenaline rush and a sense of profound relaxation. For many, leaping from a plane and experiencing the freefall is an exhilarating and transformative experience.
Skydiving offers a unique outlook and a chance to experience freedom.
the initial freefall can be initially daunting, but the rapid deployment of the parachute brings a sense of relief and allows for incredible views. As one skydiver described, the experience is akin to “flying like a bird.”
Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating activities like skydiving into one’s routine, especially during challenging times. These experiences offer a respite from the daily grind, allowing individuals to recharge and refocus.
the feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment upon landing is often cited as a key benefit of skydiving.
Beyond the adrenaline rush, skydiving fosters a sense of peace and tranquility, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Black Skydivers Find joy and Community Through Adrenaline-Pumping Hobby
Skydiving is providing Black Americans with a thrilling escape and a powerful sense of community. individuals like Wilkes Fleurant and Jennifer Henry’s son, Jackson, are finding joy and defying stereotypes through this exhilarating activity.
For Fleurant, skydiving is more than just a hobby. With 25 jumps under his belt, he’s working towards certification that will allow him to jump from hot air balloons and helicopters.He acknowledges the inherent risks, sharing stories of near misses and a fractured wrist. Despite these challenges and his daughter’s concerns, Fleurant remains dedicated, driven by the exhilaration and the desire to connect with other Black skydivers.
Henry’s son, Jackson, discovered his passion for scuba diving after learning about its connection to astronaut training. Despite her initial fear of water, Henry eventually conquered her apprehension to support her son’s dreams.
Fleurant is eager to connect with organizations like Diversify Outdoors and Melanin Base Camp, wich emphasize inclusivity and depiction in outdoor activities. He sees jumping with fellow Black skydivers as the “ultimate Black joy.”
These stories highlight the power of embracing new experiences and finding community in unexpected places. Whether soaring through the air or exploring the depths of the ocean, Black individuals are rewriting narratives and creating space for themselves in traditionally underrepresented spaces.
Mother, Son Bond Over Shared Love of Scuba Diving
Jennifer Henry conquered her claustrophobia to share a unique passion with her son, Jackson. The pair recently became certified scuba divers together, embarking on underwater adventures in Southern California.
For 14-year-old Jackson, scuba diving fulfills a lifelong interest with space exploration. He describes the underwater experience as “zero gravity,” comparing it to a simulated space environment.
“It’s pretty cool that we’ve done this together,” Jackson said.”Most moms wouldn’t do this.”
The beauty of the underwater world captivates Jackson as well. He is enthralled by the vibrant fish, coral reefs, and diverse scenery, comparing it to an alien world.
Henry, 41, embraced the challenge of scuba diving despite initial fears. “It is scary, but the joy I get out of it is being in a completely unusual place,” she shared. “It’s lovely down there and I am glad I have done this.”
Motivated by a desire to support her son’s dream, Henry sees their shared pursuit as a testament to living life to the fullest. “I live my life with this whole idea of being my ancestors’ wildest dreams,” She said.”And so, I think of that all the time when we’re underwater. That is the victory, that’s the freedom.”
teen Scuba Diver Explores Depths, Inspiring Others to Follow
Jackson henry, a 14-year-old scuba diver from San Diego, is making waves in the underwater world. His passion for exploring the ocean depths has taken him to kelp forests teeming with marine life and coral reefs that resemble otherworldly landscapes.
Henry’s most memorable dives include encounters with vibrant kelp forests off the California coast, which provide habitat for a wealth of marine creatures like sea otters and whales. He’s also explored deep drop-offs covered in coral in Jamaica, remarking on their alien beauty.
These underwater adventures, often undertaken with the SoCal Black Scuba Divers and Snorkelers group, have ignited a spark in Henry, not only for exploration but also for inspiring others to experience the wonders of the ocean firsthand.
The Thrill adn Relief of Skydiving
Skydiving offers a powerful escape from the pressures of daily life, providing a unique adrenaline rush and a sense of profound relaxation. For many, leaping from a plane and experiencing the freefall is an exhilarating and transformative experience.
Skydiving offers a unique outlook and a chance to experience freedom.
the initial freefall can be initially daunting, but the rapid deployment of the parachute brings a sense of relief and allows for amazing views. As one skydiver described, the experience is akin to ”flying like a bird.”
Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating activities like skydiving into one’s routine, especially during challenging times. These experiences offer a respite from the daily grind, allowing individuals to recharge and refocus.
the feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment upon landing is frequently enough cited as a key benefit of skydiving.
Beyond the adrenaline rush, skydiving fosters a sense of peace and tranquility, providing a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Black Skydivers Find joy and Community Through Adrenaline-Pumping Hobby
Skydiving is providing Black Americans with a thrilling escape and a powerful sense of community.individuals like Wilkes Fleurant and Jennifer Henry’s son,Jackson,are finding joy and defying stereotypes through this exhilarating activity.
For Fleurant, skydiving is more than just a hobby. With 25 jumps under his belt, he’s working towards certification that will allow him to jump from hot air balloons and helicopters.He acknowledges the inherent risks, sharing stories of near misses and a fractured wrist. Despite these challenges and his daughter’s concerns, Fleurant remains dedicated, driven by the exhilaration and the desire to connect with other Black skydivers.
henry’s son, Jackson, discovered his passion for scuba diving after learning about its connection to astronaut training. Despite her initial fear of water, Henry eventually conquered her apprehension to support her son’s dreams.
Fleurant is eager to connect with organizations like Diversify Outdoors and Melanin Base Camp, wich emphasize inclusivity and depiction in outdoor activities. He sees jumping with fellow Black skydivers as the ”ultimate Black joy.”
These stories highlight the power of embracing new experiences and finding community in unexpected places. Whether soaring through the air or exploring the depths of the ocean, Black individuals are rewriting narratives and creating space for themselves in traditionally underrepresented spaces.
Mother, Son Bond Over Shared Love of Scuba Diving
Jennifer Henry conquered her claustrophobia to share a unique passion with her son, Jackson. The pair recently became certified scuba divers together, embarking on underwater adventures in Southern California.
For 14-year-old Jackson, scuba diving fulfills a lifelong interest with space exploration. He describes the underwater experience as “zero gravity,” comparing it to a simulated space environment.
“it’s pretty cool that we’ve done this together,” Jackson said.”Moast moms wouldn’t do this.”
The beauty of the underwater world captivates Jackson as well. He is enthralled by the vibrant fish, coral reefs, and diverse scenery, comparing it to an alien world.
Henry, 41, embraced the challenge of scuba diving despite initial fears. “It is scary, but the joy I get out of it is being in a wholly unusual place,” she shared. “it’s lovely down there and I am glad I have done this.”
motivated by a desire to support her son’s dream, Henry sees their shared pursuit as a testament to living life to the fullest. “I live my life with this whole idea of being my ancestors’ wildest dreams,” She said.”And so, I think of that all the time when we’re underwater. That is the victory, that’s the freedom.”
teen Scuba Diver Explores Depths, Inspiring others to Follow
Jackson henry, a 14-year-old scuba diver from San Diego, is making waves in the underwater world. His passion for exploring the ocean depths has taken him to kelp forests teeming with marine life and coral reefs that resemble otherworldly landscapes.
Henry’s most memorable dives include encounters with vibrant kelp forests off the California coast, which provide habitat for a wealth of marine creatures like sea otters and whales. He’s also explored deep drop-offs covered in coral in Jamaica, remarking on their alien beauty.
These underwater adventures, ofen undertaken with the socal Black Scuba Divers and Snorkelers group, have ignited a spark in Henry, not only for exploration but also for inspiring others to experience the wonders of the ocean firsthand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: is skydiving safe?
A: While skydiving carries inherent risks, reputable skydiving schools prioritize safety with rigorous training, equipment checks, and experienced instructors.
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**Q: What is the minimum age to skydive?**
A: The minimum age to skydive varies depending on location and regulations, but is typically 18 years old. some facilities offer tandem jumps for younger individuals with parental consent.
- **Q: How much does skydiving cost?**
A: The cost of a tandem skydive typically ranges from $200 to $350, depending on location and add-on options like photos and videos.
- **Q: Do I need any prior experience to scuba dive?**
A: No prior experience is necessary for scuba diving. You can get certified through a reputable dive center,which provides complete training on safety procedures,equipment use,and underwater dialog.
- **Q: How deep can you scuba dive?**
A: Recreational scuba divers are typically limited to depths of 60 feet. Deeper dives require advanced certifications.
Ready to take the plunge? Embrace the unknown and discover the exhilaration that awaits.
