As the Crow Flies

the crow athletics newsletter | issue 6
curated by patrick caron

Bar Harbor - Mount Desert Island, ME

Dear Subscriber First Name,

Welcome to a new week of As the Crow Flies!

I hope you have all been well and are finding peace amidst much of the unrest existing in our world right now. It’s important to remember that to best take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves first, so please prioritize your own health and wellness during these challenging times. What are you doing to take care of your body and mind these days? How are you practicing self-care? Take a little time to ask yourself these questions this morning, and try to make room in your day to focus on your wellbeing. Doing so is not only a gift for yourself but is also a gift for all of the people with whom you share your life.

We have a lot to unpack in this week’s newsletter, so let’s begin!

The CAW

Our latest post on The CAW features the writing of Leah Frost, an educator who works with new immigrants and migrant workers. In her writing, Leah reflects on her privilege as a white mother to a white daughter and discusses the responsibilities she has to address the racism that exists in both our world and our sport. She concludes the article with links to several anti-racist resources that are important to check out, as we all work towards educating ourselves, taking action, and finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society. What steps can you take today?

Pause by Leah Frost

“It is our responsibility to take action to dismantle white supremacy and leave our children a world with less hate, a world in which human life is precious and valued, and running without fear is not a privilege afforded to some, but a right.”
Read More ➝

Share your story!
If you have a story to share (and we all do!), we'd love to have your contribution. We have a submission form on The CAW's homepage, or you can email me directly with your ideas.

Crow Notes

  • Here’s an informative conversation between Kendra Chambers, a USA Track & Field athlete, and Dr. Kevin Foster, an educational anthropologist. Titled, “Sports and Racism: A Racial Conversation for Athletes,” this dialogue is mainly directed towards student athletes, although it is certainly a worthwhile listen for anyone looking to further educate themselves on how racism impacts the world of sports. They touch upon the power of diversity, diversifying the intellectual arena, finding your team, being courageous, pushing for change, voicing your opinion, and continuing to fight, even when it’s challenging to do so.

  • In an interview with Fast Women, U.S. born Black runner Samia Akbar shares her thoughts on many topics, including representation and the accessibility of running for Black people, especially children, what it means to speak out, share the truth, and be authentic, and what barriers have stood in her way as a Black professional runner as well as a Black woman.

  • Sydney Gidabuday, a member of Tinman Elite, explores “The American Dream,” and what that has meant for him, as someone who was raised in Tanzania but grew up with a foster family in California. He writes, “In a sport filled with White faces, I’ve been fortunate to feel welcomed and accepted at each and every level. I have been surrounded by allies and friends who made me a part of their team and their lives. Through the years of living in the United States, I’ve wanted to live among the naive because that would support my American Dream.” He goes on to say, though, “The American Life I’ve always strived for doesn’t seem worthwhile as long as social injustice, police brutality and other deeply rooted issues exist. Until we are all able to, nobody can truly live the American dream that was promised to us.

  • “Running For Change” was a panel discussion that took place earlier this month on the topic of systemic racism and running. Panelists include Jay Ell Alexander, CEO and owner of Black Girls RUN!, Joseph Gray, a professional mountain runner, Reginald J. Miller, the Vice President of Global Inclusion and Diversity at VF Corporation, and Alison Mariella Désir an endurance athlete, activist and mental health advocate who is also the founder of Harlem Run. Give it a watch!

  • In a followup post to a piece linked in an earlier issue of the newsletter, Angel Piccirillo tries to answer the questions, “What do we do?” and “Where do we start?” in regards to combating the racism that exists in our country. “We cannot be discouraged by the tremendous work that this will take. Some might have more influence or ‘power’ than others but it’s the responsibility of every one of us to shift the needle in our own circles. Every single contribution, share, donation, body at a protest, matters… I will continue to be black and proud, and I will continue to amplify the voices of other black people fighting for change. This is how I keep hope alive.” Read more of her words here.

  • “Connect with the communities around you, strike up a conversation, go out of your way. Make this a priority.” Kamilah Journét, a Black female distance athlete, is interviewed for an article on DyeStat, in which she discusses many of the microaggressions she has faced as a Black woman, and how they happen all too frequently. She has begun speaking out, sharing these personal experiences, and urging people to acknowledge the racism within our country.

Weekly Musing

Each week, I'll share with you a quote to reflect upon, one which speaks to us as runners, but more importantly, as humans. Writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s words feel pertinent in this time where taking action to better our world is of the utmost importance.

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Thanks for reading Issue 6 of As the Crow Flies by Crow Athletics. We encourage you to forward this email and share it with friends, family, and anyone else who may have interest!

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Be well and run gently,
Patrick