A Historic Journey Down The Mighty Mississippi
At the end of May, Devin Brown, a Minneapolis kayaker, will embark on an extraordinary journey – paddling solo from the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico.
This remarkable feat will make her the first Black woman to complete the entire 2,340-mile journey solo on the iconic waterway.
Breaking Barriers and Embracing Nature
Brown’s mission goes beyond personal achievement; she hopes to inspire others, particularly people of color, to explore the great outdoors and embrace nature.
In her own words, “There’s definitely a disconnect between Black people and water. Even swimming in swimming pools, there’s a lot of initiatives happening in the Twin Cities to get swim lessons for adults and children of color.”
A Dream Years in the Making
Brown’s passion for paddling the Mississippi River took root over a decade ago during a business trip to Minnesota in 2012. She was captivated by the energy and allure of the mighty river, prompting her to relocate to the Twin Cities to pursue her dream.
“I moved to Minnesota specifically to pursue the Mississippi River,” Brown shared. “The energy that I experienced when I was here on a business trip in 2012 just lured me in, and I wanted to know more.”
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Stability
However, the journey to this momentous undertaking was not without its challenges. Brown faced financial struggles and periods of poverty, forcing her to put her paddling aspirations on hold temporarily. It was only after changing careers and finding stability as a massage therapist that she could reignite her passion and reconnect with the river.
“When I changed careers to being a massage therapist, I found that stability that I needed and was able to grow and prosper from there, and that helped me get back on the river and back on track,” Brown explained.
Inspiring a New Generation of Outdoor Enthusiasts
In recent years, Brown has dedicated herself to introducing paddling and other outdoor activities to communities of color. Through her work with local organizations like Mississippi Park Connection and Paddle Bridge, she has witnessed the transformative power of nature and the joy it brings to those who experience it for the first time.
“It’s been the most beautiful snowball effect for some people,” Brown shared. “From ‘I just paddled the Mississippi River for the first time – I’ve never experienced nature like this!’ to finding peace and floating and being away from the kids!”
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
For Brown, the upcoming journey represents more than just a physical challenge; it’s a spiritual and emotional odyssey. She anticipates the river will provide her with an opportunity for self-discovery, healing, and growth.
“Going on the river is like a spiritual experience for me,” Brown reflected. “I know that out on the river, there’s a version of me I’m supposed to meet. I know I’ll go through an evolution. I’ll be able to purge some of those traumas and emotions that no longer serve me, while also taking in other lessons to fill those spaces.”
