As the inaugural student chapter on a college campus, DU’s It’s Ok to Be Extraordinary (OK2BX) chapter is leading the way in embracing diversity through the arts, education and cultural experiences. Their mission is to cultivate a welcoming environment that celebrates shared humanity and fosters kindness and acceptance within the community.
Derived from the It’s Ok to Be Extraordinary foundation, the student chapter at DU is creating the blueprint and setting the foundation for a legacy that embraces different identities and unites the community with a common appreciation for the arts.
The non-profit was founded in 2021 by Chris and Brent Bolding to honor the legacy of their daughter, Eleanor Bolding. Eleanor sadly passed away by suicide when she was 17 years old, merely four months after she came out as transgender. In commemoration of Eleanor’s spirit, the Boldings founded the OK2BX foundation, reflecting their enduring family motto, “It’s Okay to Be Extraordinary.”
The founder of DU’s OK2BX chapter is Brasen Marlin, a second-year mechanical engineering major from Dallas, Texas. Marlin was best friends with Eleanor and has been actively involved with the foundation since its inception. When the opportunity to establish a student chapter on a college campus arose, Marlin eagerly seized it, aiming to extend OK2BX’s mission to DU.
Along with co-founder Aidan McNally, a second-year public policy and political science major from Denver, Colo., they have worked diligently to integrate the realms of arts, diversity and inclusivity. Miller’s involvement with OK2BX is rooted in his friendship with Marlin and their shared passion for fostering inclusivity on campus. Together, they aspire to make a lasting impact at DU while also inspiring students at other campuses across the country.
“The most important aspect of OX2BX is that we provide a stage and give a lot of people an opportunity to share their voice, their passion and their culture. Their identity, background and anything else does not matter. [OK2BX] is about giving a voice to the voiceless, and giving them an opportunity to speak and feel heard,” said Marlin.
As the founding year of OK2BX begins, Marlin and McNally are actively trying to bolster membership and raise awareness about the organization. A pivotal aspect behind the founding of OK2BX has been the intentionality behind it. Both Marlin and McNally have demonstrated a commitment to promoting the organization with meticulous care and awareness. Acknowledging the vital role of campus-wide support, they have initiated collaborations with various affinity groups to gain deeper insights into the landscape of diversity and inclusion at DU.
“OK2BX is for the people. It’s run by the people, for the people. It’s for people who want to share their passions and we’re just there to provide the space… We’re trying to create something long-lasting. We hope our members can appreciate the same uniqueness of the club as we do and can carry on the mission after we’re gone” said McNally.
At the heart of OK2BX lies a commitment to embracing diversity and nurturing creativity. Rooted in a strong passion for unleashing individuality and creating an environment where students can freely express themselves, Marlin and McNally aspire to leave a lasting legacy within the DU community. Backed by the unwavering support of the foundation, DU’s OK2BX Chapter is dedicated to providing students with the platform to showcase their art and amplify their voices.
“The whole concept [emphasizes] exposure and experience… In coming to one of our events, in hearing one of our speakers, in seeing someone else’s art, through that exposure, through that experience, you gain something to share with someone else,” said Marlin.
DU’s OK2BX Chapter will be hosting its first event on Tuesday, May 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Sturm Hall room 134. To keep up with the chapter, be sure to check out their Crimson Connect and Instagram.
