This month's conversation is a heartfelt conversation with my friend Marqiece, a Georgia native who moved to North Carolina a few years ago. He spends his time hanging with friends and partners, hiking, playing video games, and being silly. Marqiece also leads a local, Black hiking group (Blk Hiking Club RDU) and spends his time during hikes wondering where the soundtrack playing in his head comes from.

We get into the challenges of finding community, particularly for Black men, and the importance of creating intentional spaces for connection and support. Marqiece shares his personal experiences with loneliness during the pandemic, moving to new places, and eventually finding close connections through hiking and community building. Listen in as we reflect on the nature of being held in community, the balance of give-and-take in relationships, and the significance of community support.

 If you would like to share your stories and have your voice be featured on the next podcast episode, or become a guest on the To Be Held Podcast, please send me an email at [email protected].