In honor of Black History Month, be Prolyfyck

For nearly a decade we have experienced a political climate that has emboldened racist ideals. Coupled with a global pandemic that isolated us all, the world turned its animosity up to 11. When the pandemic finally started to simmer down, I — like many people — visited family that I had not seen for over two years. 

Prior to visiting my brother in Charlottesville, Virginia, last summer, I stumbled upon the intriguing group, Prolyfyck Run Crew. Though running is low on my priority list, after spending many hours in transit, I need to exercise in order to maintain my self-worth. Running is inexpensive, a great pace to experience the environment around you, and you can safely do it in many places around the world.

Prolyfyck supports walking/running routes in Charlottesville’s historically Black neighborhoods in order to encourage exercise and foster community. They have an inclusive mindset, positive approach to exercise, and their notoriety has grown even more over the last few years. Simply put, they are about exercising outdoors without competition. Following that up with a group scream to release whatever emotion you have is a therapeutic experience. Competition can be a problem as it excludes a large proportion of the population. Slavery, colonization, the exploitation of indigenous people were all a result of competition. To indulge everyone in the experience is how Prolyfyck approaches racial justice. 

Following the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, running groups became a safe haven for many Black people. Prolyfyck is certainly one of them. The Unite the Right rally and the Alt-Right’s attempt to make Charlottesville an icon to their movement brought tension to the city and especially the Black community. However, on my run with Prolyfyck, there was no political commentary or activism. Exercising outside brings freedom. To be able to walk or run where we want without being in danger is pure freedom, and is something often taken for granted. 

Two effects of institutionalized racism have been to isolate and create violence within Black communities. Outdoor exercise can mitigate social problems by boosting dopamine, serotonin and oxygen levels to improve mental and physical health. It also builds trust by allowing a community to see itself. The simplicity and effectiveness in Prolyfyck’s approach to combat inequality has left me astonished and inspired.

Let’s empower each other so that we can all live up to our talent.