We Fish 2

My beautiful sisters of Black Girls Fish 2,

I want to begin by saying thank you for your patience, your trust, and your continued belief in this space and in me. I owe you more communication, and I want to honor you by sharing what I’ve been working toward and why.

Over the past year, I have been deeply engaged in creating and expanding opportunities for Black women and female Veterans, intentionally, strategically, and with long-term impact in mind.

Much of my work has centered on ensuring that fishing, in every capacity, is accessible, visible, and welcoming to women who have historically been overlooked or excluded.

I’ve been advocating behind the scenes, building partnerships, having critical conversations, and helping shape spaces where Black women are not just invited but represented, supported, and centered. This includes work tied to outdoor recovery, wellness through fishing, leadership development, and opening doors for women to show up fully as themselves in outdoor and conservation spaces.

My goal has always been bigger than just getting women to fish. It’s about:

-Visibility and representation in all fishing and outdoor spaces

-Healing, restoration, and joy through the water

Creating pathways for Black women and female Veterans to lead, teach, and thrive. Shifting narratives about who belongs in fishing, conservation, and outdoor culture

All of this work has been done with Black Girls Fish 2 in mind.

Because of what’s been built, aligned, and prepared, I’m excited to share that wonderful changes are coming to BGF2 very soon. These changes are rooted in growth, sustainability, deeper impact, and expanded opportunities for the women in this community. What’s ahead will better reflect who we are, where we’re going, and the legacy we are creating together.

Thank you for giving me the grace to do the groundwork. Thank you for being part of a movement that is bigger than any one moment. And thank you for continuing to stand in purpose as we make space for Black women boldly and unapologetically, in all outdoor and fishing spaces.

More is coming. And it’s for us.

With love and purpose,
Dr. Yolanda J. Edwards
Founder, Remain Hooked Outdoors