Bibliograph

Running while Black, finding freedom in a sport that wasn't built for us, Alison Mariella Désir

Type

Label

Running while Black, finding freedom in a sport that wasn't built for us, Alison Mariella Désir

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-263)

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

no index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Running while Black

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

1346417449

Responsibility statement

Alison Mariella Désir

Sub title

finding freedom in a sport that wasn't built for us

Summary

"A searing exposé 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 Désir's life. At rock bottom and searching for meaning and structure, Désir 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 Désir'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, Désir 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, Désir 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

Table Of Contents

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 while black -- The unbearable whiteness of running -- Doing the work -- Endurance -- Everything is connected -- Reimagining the run -- Epilogue: Reclaiming

Classification