Why I Started UNITY: Building a Community for Athletes of Color
When I first started running and competing in endurance events, I noticed something: the sport didn’t always feel like it was made for people who look like me. The races, the teams, the imagery—it often reflected a very narrow view of who “belongs” in endurance sports. I love running, pushing my limits, and the sense of community that comes with shared miles—but I also wanted to see more representation, more support, and more celebration of athletes of color. That’s why I started UNITY.
UNITY isn’t just a club or training group—it’s a movement and a space where athletes of color can come together, train, inspire, and lift each other up. It’s about breaking barriers in a world where access, visibility, and representation have historically been limited. It’s about creating opportunities for mentorship, guidance, and empowerment for athletes of all levels, from beginners running their first 5K to seasoned marathoners chasing new personal records.
The idea for UNITY came from my own experiences and observations over years of racing, coaching, and training. From local relays to The Speed Project, a 340-mile race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, I’ve experienced firsthand how transformative endurance sports can be—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Running teaches resilience, discipline, and self-belief—but it becomes even more powerful when you’re part of a community that sees you, celebrates you, and has your back. UNITY was created to offer that support to athletes of color across all sports and endurance levels.
UNITY is about more than miles—it’s about connection, empowerment, and visibility. It’s about building a network of athletes who support each other, share knowledge, and dismantle the barriers that make sports feel exclusive. It’s about showing that athletes of color belong in these spaces, that we are strong, capable, and deserving of recognition. Through UNITY, we aim to inspire young athletes, provide mentorship, and foster a sense of pride in our accomplishments, all while creating a community rooted in joy, support, and resilience.
Starting UNITY was a leap of faith, a labor of love, and a commitment to building something meaningful. Every time I see our members celebrating milestones, supporting each other in training, or showing up for one another on race day, I’m reminded why I started this in the first place. UNITY is proof that when athletes of color come together, share their strength, and push toward their goals, incredible things happen—both on and off the pavement.
