The only -- White space -- Belonging -- Lost -- A marathoner -- Outside -- A place for us -- Reframing -- Purpose -- Puzzle pieces -- Meaning thru movement -- We were there -- Inclusion/Exclusion -- Life and death -- Confronting whiteness -- Running whileblack -- The unbearable whiteness of running -- Doing the work -- Endurance -- Everything is connected -- Reimagining the run -- Epilogue: Reclaiming.
Summary:
"A searing exposae on the whiteness of running, a supposedly egalitarian sport, and a call to reimagine the industry "Runners know that running brings us to ourselves. But for Black people, the simple act of running has never been so simple. It is a declaration of the right to move through the world. If running is claiming public space, why, then, does it feel like a negotiation?" Running saved Alison Daesir's life. At rock bottom and searching for meaning and structure, Daesir started marathon training,finding that it vastly improved both her physical and mental health. Yet as she became involved in the community and learned its history, she realized that the sport was largely built with white people in mind. Running While Black draws on Daesir's experience as an endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate to explore why the seemingly simple, human act of long distance running for exercise and health has never been truly open to Black people. Weaving historical context-from the first recreational running boom to the horrific murder of Ahmaud Arbery-together with her own story of growth in the sport, Daesir unpacks how we got here and advocates for a world where everyone is free to safely experience the life-changing power of movement. As America reckons with its history of white supremacy across major institutions, Daesir argues that, as a litmus test for an inclusive society, the fitness industry has the opportunity to lead the charge-fulfilling its promise of empowerment"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.