Every day, we find new ways that we are connected as Black people. This Common Thread runs through all we do, whether through our communities, our culture, our music and art and our wellness. We Run Deep.
To honor the deep awe that our creativity inspires in each other and in everyone else, this month, as in every month, we are elevating Black women—runners, designers, artists, and creatives—the movers of the culture.
This world does not move without Black creativity.
— Melissa Kimble (she/her) 🏁 (@Melissa_Kimble) June 17, 2020
Each of the women profiled will share how their creativity “Runs Deep” as they move themselves, move their communities and move us.
Throughout February, you’ll meet even more phenomenal Black women who are impacting their communities, their industries, and the world, and making our Common Thread that much stronger every day. Each will share what “Runs Deep” for them, and how they’re making a difference with their respective projects.
When we first launched RUNGRL three years ago, we set out to create space for Black women distance runners through our digital and in-person experiences. We knew the value, importance and beauty of cultivating a platform and a community that celebrated our unique wellness journeys.
As we move through Black History Month, we are excited to mark another year to show up for you on your path to joy and wellness. We’ll keep sharing our stories and showing the world that what we have in common runs deep for all of us.
We Run Deep
Celebrating Black women is what we do at RUNGRL every day, and this month is no different.
These amazing Black women are moving the culture, each of them embodying the values, drive and passions that make our communities great.
RRCA-certified run coach, vlogger and running podcaster India Cook stays immersed in running culture and hopes to share the running confidence she’s found with others.
“I’m showing people that running is not just one homogenous thing. It’s not only for one kind of person. It’s about applying representation to the greater community.”
Physical therapist assistant, running coach and crew leader Alison Staples uses wellness to inspire and motivate others, both personally and professionally.
“Supporting our own community, that should get people’s attention. And if it doesn’t, they aren't the right people.”
Athlete, producer and fashion designer Shiara Robinson knows that creativity powers everything we do.
“Whether I’m going for a run or taking a fitness class, afterward, I have more energy and fuel to be creative. It’s about sharing energy, and I feel like that energy returns to me.”
By creating more equity in wellness for Black women, RUNGRL hopes to use running to disrupt generational norms, support Black women in reaching their full potential, and transform the running and wellness landscape.
“As a direct result of the work we’ve done, we’ve seen more Black women running their first, fastest and best miles.”
Accountant and runner Dora Belle makes time to educate others on ways to build financial understanding and equity.
“Like anything we have, if we don’t share our gifts, we’ll never find our people in the world, we’ll never find our tribe.”
Fitness and lifestyle influencer Dayna Bolden likes to show both “the win and the work” to inspire other women to take charge of their health.
“I want to inspire women to go boldly after their goals.”
Mariah Dyson founded Girl Gang Crazy to help women experience the accomplishment and support she felt training for her first marathon.
“Running a marathon taught me that I can do anything; it helped me conquer my imposter syndrome.”
As a deejay, wardrobe stylist and virtual event curator, Dana “Franky J” James, is immersed in creativity, music and movement on a daily basis.
“Make sure that people know who you are, that it's not just a facade.”
Learn About These Amazing Women
What Runs Deep for You?
We want to hear from you! How do these values of movement, wellness, community and more run deep for you? Does your run club hold you accountable? Your family? What drives you to make an impact, both in your own life and the lives of others? Shoot us an email at rungrl@rungrl.co or feel free to slide in our DMs over on Instagram!
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The act of running has been the start of many movements, both literally and metaphorically. Each of these Black women is a catalyst for growth, change, wellness and joy through their work as creators, runners and community builders.