"Warm Up 2 Winter Eastside 2025" - Celebrating BIPOC Joy Below 32 degrees!

"Warm Up to Winter-WU2W" is a joyful gathering and seasonal kickoff event designed to show that everyone can live fully, freely, and outdoors all year round—even in a Minnesota winter.

WU2W is a powerful kickoff event celebrating Black Joy Below 32 Degrees—the freedom, visibility, and healing that come from moving outdoors in winter together. Whether you’re a newcomer to Minnesota or a long-time eastsider, Westsider, Frogtown, or Rondo native, we invite you to learn all the ways (skiing, Snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing ), and experience the cold months with warmth, joy, and connection - All at Battle Creek and other east of the River destinations.

This year’s event includes a special winter walk led by Anthony Taylor, Director of Equity Outdoors at the Cultural Wellness Center. As a nationally recognized advocate for Black Joy in Nature, Anthony will guide participants to a hidden natural site at Battle Creek Regional Park—only visible in winter. This short walk will begin at 5:00 PM and is open to all, accessible by foot or adaptive devices.

As we return to The recreation Center, Q Bear of KMOJ will set the vibe with music throughout the evening, bringing energy and soul to every moment—from firepit conversations to dinner to the storytelling stage.

We’re also honored to be joined by Met Council Member Toni Carter and to feature Dr. Joi Lewis of The Healing Justice Foundation, learning about her Mapping Black Joy Project in the Twin Cities.

Whether you’re new to Minnesota, new to snow, or just new to outdoor activity—this evening is for you. We’re inviting you to a space of belonging, visibility, and joyful exploration.

Battle Creek Regional Park
📍 Battle Creek Recreation Center

75 Winthrop St. South,

Saint Paul, MN 55119

Friday, December 5th, 2025
🕠 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Melanin In Motion (a program of the Cultural Wellness Center)

Commissioner Toni Carter

Healing Justice Foundation

Anthony Taylor-Theba, Founder of Melanin In Motion

✨ What You’ll Experience:

• 🎵 Live DJ set by Q Bear (KMOJ)
• 🌲 Pre-event nature walk to a winter-only site with Anthony Taylor
• 🍲 Free dinner, dessert, and warm beverages
• 🔥 Firepits + cultural storytelling + live readings from Milkweed authors
• 🎿 Winter gear demos + activity sign-ups
• 🧥 Warm clothing basics + scholarship opportunities for all winter programs
• 🤝 Volunteer and coaching opportunities for BIPOC leaders
• Inspiring Storytelling
• Meet past participants, families, and coaches
• Opportunities to sign up for lessons, coaching, and volunteering!

✅ Skiing – Downhill & Cross-Country
✅ Snowboarding (including “I Board!” for girls ages 9–14)
✅ Snowshoeing & Fat Biking
✅ Tubing & Sledding
✅ Winter Camps, Trips, & Outings
✅ How to dress warm and stay safe
✅ Scholarships for all winter programs
✅ How to get your whole family involved

“Winter is not something to endure—it’s something we were made for.”
Let this be your Homecoming into winter—into joy, into freedom, into movement. Whether you're from the Northside or Nigeria, Eastside or Ecuador—this is your winter too.

• FREE to attend
• All ages, backgrounds, and skill levels welcome
• RSVP encouraged via Eventbrite
• Text 612-875-7803 for accommodations or questions

Let’s make this the Best Winter Ever—together.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Melanin IN Motion