CityLine: Running for health and community
Black Men Run leaders share inspiration
Updated: April 7, 2024 12:30pm EDT
This time, we will talk about running to improve your health. That's the mission of a group called Black Men Run, and as they explained, the numbers don't lie. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for African American men. Black men's risk of first stroke is nearly twice that of white men, and research shows running may change that trend, with benefits that extend beyond improved physical fitness. This time, Jeff Davis and Sergino Rennie have joined us. Jeff, there are some very alarming health statistics facing the Black community. A black male captain runs through Boston. How did you decide that a running group was a good way to start on the path towards positive change? Thanks for asking, Karen, and to be honest, well, it's what I need Because that's what it was. Well, when I started this chapter about Black Men in Nashua being run as a national organization, I was sad and depressed. Well, it was in the middle of 20, 20. Well, there was news about George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Um, and for me, um, running has always been an outlet. And I thought maybe there were other men out there who were down, had doubts, and needed space. If I can connect with other men it might help. Well, we could do all kinds of things to help each other heal. So after talking to my friends in that chapter, um, after talking to my friends who are in the chapter right now, I should say, “Well, I'm going to talk to my friends who are in the chapter right now. We were among the first runners to join the trip. In other words, not only my physical health improved, but my mental health as well. right? that's right. absolutely. Jeff. You know, I think his 100% of our chapter members are saying, you're part of the Boston Running Collaborative as well. How does it affect your group? Helpful. Um, you know, that's one of the resources that, uh, we've been looking forward to. Across the city, we're looking at ways to bring running and health to the entire city and improve health and wellness outcomes across the Black community. Intra-city and running, um, communities of color. . So the BRC helps us have that very important conversation about what representation and running looks like in Boston. How do we source those resources? And how do we know that running is more than just providing shoes and shorts? But actually providing space for people to come together? Can we create? Can we provide resources and information to help people keep running? Anyone can go out and do an A5K. And I encourage everyone to do so. And the challenge is how to take the next step. Um, and, uh, her 100% of the people who run with us, like the runners in our community and the Black male running show, just being in this has helped their mental health and I believe my fitness has improved. Be part of this community. And it must be said that the Boston Running Collaboration was started by the Boston Athletic Association as an opportunity to bring some of the groups featuring people of color into the BAA sphere. And so far it seems to have been successful. So, Gino, I'd like to talk to you, the vice captain of this group. Please tell us about SANKOFA RUN on the weekend. Who will participate? Well, everyone will participate. We welcome all Black men to join us, and depending on what we're doing, we may open up participation to the entire community. But we meet every Saturday at Peabody Square in the Ashmont section of Dorchester and run around the neighborhood. Running around town. Well, this is a great opportunity to get people off the couch. Whether you're 18 or 55, as long as you're able to move and take two steps forward, you have space to work out with us, walk with us, heal with us, grow with us, and talk to us. . Everyone is welcome to come. So, Gino, tell us about the upcoming Shakeout Black History run. It has now become a weekend marathon tradition. Please tell me about the significance of this route. absolutely. So this is his third year hosting the Black History Shakeout Run. This year we will focus specifically on the North End and Downtown. and the recent past. We did this in Back Bay and Beacon Hill. We did this in Southend as well. Last year, we focused on the all-black community that once lived there. The reason we focus on the North End of downtown is because we have always passed through this location. Run through Boston, running through the entire city. It's not, for a lot of us, it's like, “Oh, did you know that there was a black person living in this neighborhood, or there was someone important who lived in this house, and that's the thing that exists on the north end?'' We will take you from Long Wharf, the demarcation point of Boston's slave trade, through the central aisle, and visit the Old State House to bring you knowledge of the Boston Massacre. And the first, oh, American Revolution and tragedy, that was Crispus. Alex. And it's also a way for the black community to reclaim black history through the sport of running. Oh, that's great. Opportunity. Jeff, just real quick, are there going to be any black male runners in this year's marathon? We absolutely are. There are about 10 running this year. Okay. Very good. Over half. It's my first time. It's great. I have to go. Thank you both for joining us. Hey. Our very own Emily Maher is a safe and supportive place for young people to learn and grow. I am participating in my first marathon in support of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, which provides a supportive environment. Links to Emily's fundraising page can be found at our and other marathon events on our website. You can find it in the Marathon section of WCVB.COM. In case you haven't heard, WCVB Channel 5 is an exclusive local broadcast media outlet.
CityLine: Running for health and community
Black Men Run leaders share inspiration
Updated: April 7, 2024 12:30pm EDT
Black Men Run is on a mission to encourage men of color to run to improve their health, and research shows running can change the risk of heart disease and stroke. Black Men Run Boston Captain Jeff Davis and Black Men Run Boston Co-Captain Serghino Rene discuss why they run for sport and health.
black man running is on a mission to encourage men of color to run to improve their health, and research shows running can change the risk of heart disease and stroke. jeff daviscaptain of black man runs through boston and Sergino Renevice captain of. black man runs through boston Share why they run for sport and health.
