Why Did a Black Man Choose to Visit the North Pole?

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Breaking Barriers: My Journey from Jamaica to the North Pole

When I first revealed I would be one of three people hiking to the North Pole, the reaction from many of my peers was immediate and disheartening. “Bro, that’s a white people thing!” they exclaimed, not in pride or encouragement, but in disbelief. This response echoed a stereotype that suggested Black individuals don’t venture into cold places. Yet, it was precisely this reaction that fueled my determination to embark on this extraordinary journey.

Reflecting on my childhood, I realize that part of me almost missed this calling. Growing up in Jamaica, I was encouraged to explore the vibrant world around me. My Granny instilled a love of the outdoors, expecting me to be outside from dawn until dusk. I learned to make fires, pick and roast cashew nuts, and proudly returned home with frogs, lizards, or any small creature I befriended each day.

However, everything changed when I relocated to the UK at the age of six to live with my mother. The transition was jarring; suddenly, staying indoors was not just encouraged but enforced. “Stay inside. Don’t answer the door to anyone,” my mother would warn. Our home lacked a back garden, leaving me with nothing but a stark concrete space that felt devoid of life. The misery was palpable.

Whenever I managed to escape the confines of the house, I sought out adventure. I climbed trees and dug through wood chippings in playgrounds for insects. To me, this was normal, but to my classmates, it was decidedly out of place. I vividly remember bringing a handful of dirt, complete with wood lice, centipedes, and worms, to show them, only to be met with screams and shouts of “you’re nasty!” I felt isolated, like an outsider in a world that didn’t understand my love for nature.

Realizing I needed to adapt, I began to mimic others to fit in. I ordered the same foods as my peers, laughed at jokes that didn’t amuse me, and engaged in hobbies that left me feeling unfulfilled—spending hours sitting on park benches with friends who didn’t truly resonate with me. I lived this way for 16 long years until a life-altering incident occurred one summer night in 2005.

After confronting a man who was stealing my moped, he pulled a gun on me, cocking it twice. Relieved to escape unharmed, I later faced pressure from friends to seek revenge. But instead of succumbing to the cycle of violence, I paused to reflect. “What do I really want to do here?” I asked myself. The answer was clear: I remembered the happiness I had felt as a child, exploring the outdoors.

With this revelation, I waited for an opportunity to reignite my adventurous spirit. In spring 2006, I heard about friends planning to “climb a hill” for charity. That hill turned out to be the Three Peaks challenge. I was woefully unprepared—wearing trainers instead of proper hiking boots and succumbing to cramps and exhaustion by the time we reached Snowdon. Yet, the experience reignited a fire within me, reminiscent of the joy I had felt as a child.

Determined to continue my journey, I applied to join an expedition to the North Pole. I wanted to do something unexpected and unusual—something that defied societal expectations for someone with my background. This ambition elicited strong reactions from others, who struggled to understand why a Black man raised in Jamaica and East London would pursue such an adventure. It wasn’t the typical path for someone who looked like me.

The expedition was a rollercoaster of emotions. I experienced frostbite, moments of loneliness, and even fell through a crack in the snow. Yet, amidst these challenges, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. I even encountered a musk ox calf and formed an unexpected bond with it. However, upon returning home, I felt an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia. The open, expansive Arctic had spoiled me, and I now found myself trapped by London’s skyscrapers.

This stark contrast highlighted my true calling: exploring the world. My adventures came with sacrifices, requiring considerable time and financial commitment, but every moment was worth it. Since that first expedition, I have traversed every environment imaginable—from the Arctic to deserts, jungles, and rainforests. Each journey has deepened my understanding of the world and myself.

Despite my extensive experiences, I still encounter well-meaning “jokes” about my chosen path. “Are you sure you’re not white?” is a common quip I receive. However, I am committed to dismantling these perceptions, particularly for future generations. This determination led me to co-found the We2 Foundation, aiming to show young people that opportunities for exploration are accessible to everyone, regardless of societal expectations.

Our foundation has already taken groups of young people to transformative destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands. Witnessing the profound impact these trips have had on their lives is incredibly rewarding. Yet, the adventures are far from over. My next challenge is climbing Mount Meru, a dormant stratovolcano in Tanzania, alongside Melissa Grace, a remarkable young woman with Angelman syndrome. Despite her severe mobility issues, she has shown tremendous spirit, and we are eager to see what we can achieve together.

Through all these experiences, I have learned one fundamental truth: if I can become an explorer, anyone can. All it takes is the belief that opportunities exist and the courage to seize them. At the summit of the world, colour, creed, and religion fade into irrelevance, leaving only the spirit of adventure and the beauty of our shared humanity.

FAQs

What motivated you to pursue exploration despite societal expectations?

I was driven by a desire to break stereotypes and challenge the notion that exploration is exclusive to certain demographics. I wanted to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can embark on extraordinary adventures.

How has your childhood shaped your love for the outdoors?

Growing up in Jamaica, I was encouraged to explore nature daily. This upbringing instilled a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a deep connection to the natural world, which I carry with me in my adventures.

What is the mission of the We2 Foundation?

The We2 Foundation aims to provide young people from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to experience the wonders of the world. We want to inspire them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

As I prepare for my next expedition, I can’t help but wonder: what adventures await you, and how will you break free from societal expectations to pursue your passions? #AdventureAwaits #BreakingBarriers #WeAreAllExplorers

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