The Black Platform Retreat

THE BLACK PLATFORM RETREAT 2025

BLACK GIRLs WHO LIFT
August 8-10, 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina

Experience a one of kind lifting retreat made for Black women
1-1 and Group coaching by an elite level Olympic Lifting National Champion

ABOUT US

The Black Platform is a space for Black women in Olympic weightlifting to share and support one another in our experience on and off the platform.

Every year, we host the TBP Olympic Lifting Retreat for Black women identified beginner athletes, experienced athletes, and coaches who want to learn, grow, and connect with other Black women in the Olympic weightlifting community.

The 3 day retreat will feature ~3 hour training sessions per day and more importantly, an amazing opportunity to be in community with fellow Black women in sport. The goal of TBP lifting retreat is to build on your foundational understanding of the Olympic weightlifting movements, gain more community and convene in a space for us, by us, with us.

The only lifting retreat made specifically for Black women

100% of past participations would come back again

Personalized and group coaching

A space to lift, rest, eat nourishing food and just be.

What to expect

01 Olympic Lifting

Learn the basics of Olympic Weightlifting technique from experienced Black Women coaches at Charlotte Strength. Walk away with cues to utilize in your day to day training.

02 Community

Thrive in community of other inspiring Black women to build your network, learn from one another and find your community in olympic lifting.

03 Rest and Development

Take time to learn what it means to rest with meditation, workshops, swag bags and free time to explore Charlotte, NC.

Join the Waitlist!

Why should you be here?

you belong here sis.

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01 "The Black Platform means a safe space to me allowing me to unapologetically myself amongst other black women in the sport of weightlifting. Take up space-you are worthy."

Ayanna H.

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02 "The black platform was a life-changing experience. When you see women who look like you, black women accomplishing things you didn’t know were possible you start to peel back the layers of self-doubt to find out how truly limitless we are. I love it here!"

Damali F.

Our Team

Taryn Pascal

Retreat host & Founder

Assistant Coach

Taryn (Tee) is a biracial (half Black/half White) olympic weightlifter based in Durham, NC. Originally from Nor-Cal (shout out to the yay areaaaa), Tee started her fitness journey after high school.

After getting tired of the globo gym environment, she signed up for crossfit in 2015 which led her to Olympic lifting.

In 2020, like most people, tee experienced a lot of change and was cut off from in- person interaction, “I knew my loneliness was not individualized, and I wanted to see how Black women could come together in such a scary time”. A group chat was created and TBP was created.

Taylar Stallings

Head Coach

Taylar is the 2017 75kg National Champion after only competing in the sport for 7 months. Later that year she was received a spot on the Pan American team and the US Worlds team.

She competed in Wodapolooza's first Weightlifting Face Off Championship hosted by Power and Grace Performance. Taylar went on to place 2nd in her weight category at the Arnold in 2018.

Taylar also owns her own remote coaching business @taylarmadeathletics that has programming for athletes all around the world.

our purpose

“My hope with TBP is to create a space for Black women in olympic weightlifting can just BE." And for us to have a space to grow in ways we aren't often provided. We are so often put in places were we have to provide labor (free or paid) and I want Black women to know they can just be, while finding more community."

Host/Founder Taryn Pascal

Our Host GYm

We are so excited to host at Charlotte Strength!

A little about Charlotte Strength, simply put our mission is to help you "Change your Life".

After spending time in our facility and with our team we want our members to walk out of our doors after a workout and feel like they are a better version of themselves. It isn’t the scientific sum of calories, workouts, and weight that keeps our members returning. It is not the cutting-edge equipment and technology. It is the people that count. Our team cares about guiding and encouraging each and every member to obtain the goals they seek for themselves. Our members’ goals are specific and if we can assist in that journey to realizing their aspirations then we have truly helped them change their life.

Testimonials

"Leaving with so many people that I was able to connect with in such a short amount of time through deep emotional conversations."

Athlete 2023

"This retreat was life changing. I went with the intention of fixing my lifting technique with the thought of maybe making a few new friends. Instead, I walked away with a sisterhood, a new support system AND improved lifting technique. It was more than anything I could have ever imagined. It was a safe space, a knowing space, a loving space and an understanding space. Every black woman in Olympic lifting and CrossFit should experience this joy."

Athlete 2023

"A real life utopia where black women occupy every role within the weightlifting world. Coaches, weightlifters, event organizers, judges etc."

Athlete 2023

Lodging and Transportation

Stay in Comfort & Style in Charlotte

All Inclusive Lodging

Charlotte Hyatt Place

Located in the heart of Downtown Charlotte

Single Bed

Rest and Restore with an all inclusive experience

As part of your retreat registration, you’ll enjoy a stay at our all-inclusive hotel in the heart of downtown Charlotte. This vibrant, modern hotel offers luxurious accommodations, stunning city views, and top-tier amenities to ensure your experience is both relaxing and inspiring. From on-site dining to fitness facilities, everything you need is at your fingertips.

Once your registration is complete, we’ll handle the rest! Your hotel room will be reserved under the name you register under and confirmed automatically, making your retreat experience seamless from start to finish. All you need to do is check in, settle in, and get ready to take up space!

Registration Opens soon!

$1884.99 All inclusive
August 8-10
Charlotte, North Carolina

Address:

3600 North Duke St STE 1

Durham, NC 27704

Contact:

support@theblackplatformco.org

A negative Covid test result will be required 48 hours upon arrival to retreat. If a positive covid test is provided, award for attending a TBP retreat will be valid for the next year. All athletes will be spaced accordingly to ensure 6 ft protocols are in place. Masks are not required but reccomended in high traffic areas.

Who do I contact for any additional questions?

Please reach out to support@theblackplatformco.org for any other comments or questions.

Still have questions? Send us your question by filling out the form below, we will be happy to assist you.