Black Kids Go Fast by Joshua Rafferty
Last summer, I had the privilege of attending the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Los Angeles, CA. At the conference, there were over 500 varsity student-athletes across all NCAA divisions. I had the honor of meeting the most talented, hard-working, smart, and kind people with whom I have ever interacted. As I met track runner after track runner, I began to wonder where the rowers were. Joshua Rafferty interviews Black athletes and coaches on their rowing journey, poses the question "How can we get more Black kids in college boats?" and discusses ways that we can diversify our sport at the higher levels.
Celebrating the Launch of Xavier Rowing Club
In September 2023, New Orleans Rowing Club and Xavier University of Louisiana partnered to launch the Xavier Rowing Club program, becoming only the second of its kind at a Historically Black College or University. The initiative is currently led by NORC members Elizabeth Manley and Chloé Jobin. Over the past months, more than a dozen enthusiastic Xavier students with no previous rowing experience have learned the fundamentals of the sport on the waters of Bayou St. John and at the NORC indoor rowing facility. The team is eager to continue to train this season with a group of capable and eager novice rowers, and they hope to race in fours or eights in the spring.
Baltimore Community Rowing: Reach High Baltimore
On February 2nd, we launched our new Men's Unity Unisuit and Women's Unity Unisuit in honor of Black History Month. We will be donating a portion of sales of the Men's and Women's Unity unisuits purchased in February 2023 to Baltimore Community Rowing, and their Reach High Baltimore Program. Read about how BCR is working to increase diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in Baltimore, one stroke at a time.
"Black People in Rowing: Our Stories, Our Future" by Joshua Rafferty
As Black History Month approaches, esteemed black leaders, activists, athletes, artists, and so many more are highlighted. It serves as an opportunity to take a step back and look at the history and future of our beloved sport through the lens of black people.
Black History Month 2022
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history over the month of February. In honor of Black History Month, we worked with Kizmet Wallace, a black small business owner & designer, and Team JL ambassador, Maurice Scott, to design this year's Black History Month Collection.
Black History Month 2021 by, Maurice Scott
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. Join us in celebrating Black History Month 2021 with these unique performance apparel designs and let us promote diversity in our favorite sport!
A Most Beautiful Thing: Coming Soon In Paperback!
A Most Beautiful Thing by, Arshay Cooper is the moving true story of a group of young men growing up on Chicago's West side who form the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation, and in doing so not only transform a sport, but their lives. This triumphant tale will be available in paperback starting February 23, 2021.
Relentless Rowing Academy Presents, “Against the Current”
Relentless Rowing Academy Presents, “Against the Current” a conversation highlighting the stories, history, and advancement of black and brown rowers September 17th, 2020 @ 6:30pm via zoom. No rowing experience needed. All ages, locations around the country, and allies welcome to join!
Celebrating Black History Month By, Maurice Scott
Never in a million years would I have thought to be recognized the way I was let alone have my medals and pictures put in a museum highlighting the history of rowing in Philadelphia alongside many great athletes who took part in its growth.
A Time For Reflection.
What Arshay and leaders like him recognize is that boats also offer refuge and opportunity. He points out that the most dangerous hours for inner city kids fall between the final school bell and when their parents get home from work. Provide access to rowing—with the contagious positives that passionate coaches, teammates, physical expression bring.
