32-year-old Norwegian rock climber Mari Augusta Salvesen smashed expectations when she flashed one of the most infamous crack-climbing routes in the world this year. In a sport overwhelmingly dominated by men, Salvesen’s consistent strength, determination, and undeniable success help carve out a wider space for women in the climbing community worldwide.

Based in Oakland, California, The Black Banjo Reclamation Project combines education, earth-based building practices, and community collaboration to create an atmosphere in which African diasporic people can reclaim musical and cultural roots while healing racialized trauma and building toward a more holistic future.