Photo courtesy of OK2BX Fest.
It’s okay to be extraordinary.
That was the motto of the Bolding family, and is now the motto of the OK2BX Foundation. The Foundation was started by Oak Cliff residents Chris and Brent Bolding in honor of their daughter, Eleanor, who committed suicide in 2021 after coming out as transgender.
Aiming to carry on Eleanor’s legacy of inclusion, compassion and understanding, OK2BX raises money for scholarships for graduating high school students and hosts events that promote diversity and creativity.
The Deep Ellum based OK2BX Diversity Fest will take place Sept. 30 from 1-9 p.m., and will boast diverse entertainers, food and art. The family-friendly festival is free, but attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the OK2BX Foundation. Tickets can be reserved here.
Food vendors include local shops like Ruthie’s Food for Good and Howdy Homemade. Entertainment includes Ryan Sneed, S-Ank Rasa and the African Village Drummers and Ballet Folklorico group Ollimpaxqui.
Attendees will also be encouraged to create an individual cloth square. At the end of the festival, all of the squares will be sewn into a rememberance quilt.
“Eleanor was known by her friends and family for calling people in, instead of calling them out,” a statement from OK2BX said. “Where breaking away from mainstream norms can be challenging and often met with criticism, OK2BX celebrates individual differences and encourages people to stand out boldly. It is in the celebration of others that we find and give true acceptance.”
