Paddle outs for Black Lives (Encinitas, Part 4)

Interview with Danielle Black Lyons of Textured Waves

Danielle Black Lyons is the co-founder of Textured Waves who helped organize an event with Changing Tides Foundation to paddle out in Encinitas for Black lives.

Photo by:: Brady Lawrence

How were you inspired to be apart of this paddle out and how did you decide on what to focus on specific things to speak about with the public?

The first paddle out that was held in LA was a big inspiration for me personally. I know how healing they can be; surrounding yourself with energy from other people during times of grief is a huge comfort. So, when Becky at CTF reached out to me early Monday morning and asked if I wanted to collaborate on a local paddle out in Encinitas on Wednesday—I didn't hesitate.  

My main message was to educate folks on the importance of supporting black owned businesses and organizations and doing the work in their homes and local communities first to end the cycle of systemic racism. Encouraging people to vote was also at the forefront of all of our speeches.

Photo by: @Jianca_lazarus

How was it to be apart of such a powerful gathering and what did you learn from it about your community?

It was incredibly powerful, emotional and healing to take part in this movement. I knew people were hurting, and so many of us were at a loss of what to do. This was something I believed could inspire positive change and I think we accomplished that. I know the power of community is real, but I had never experienced it on this scale before. There was so much love on the beach and in the water. People were just supporting each other in a peaceful and beautiful way. No one walked away from the beach feeling worse—it gave us all hope. 

Being an organizer and a leader of this event, how do you maintain your mental health to create this safe space for others to enter into during this time?

I try to take care of my mind, body and soul everyday by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This means a lot of different things to me personally. Sometimes taking care of myself means saying no to others. I can't always do everything I want without compromising a piece of my own mental health. I have to be calculated in what projects I pursue and choose what's most important and fulfilling to me. That way I can show up my best to support those around me. 

This community has given me so much, it doesn't feel like work to give back. It's all cyclical, it's all love. 

Photo by: @Jianca_lazarus