Anchors of Black History
By Abigail Hollie
contributions from Kaitlin Rodriguez
Throughout February, the RIDC is spotlighting Black leaders who have made history, or are currently making history. Just like the anchor in a relay, these ‘Anchors of Black History’ have made great strides to advance Black people and the world of running.
Although we will not be able to spotlight everyone, we hope that you learn something new and continue to amplify Black stories in this sport. Check back here as we add more of these impactful leaders throughout the remainder of February.
Additional Resources:
Black Running History Timeline (1880-1979), Ted Corbitt Archives
Frank Hart and Pedestrianism, Fleet Feet Albany/ Malta
Frank Hart: The First Black Ultrarunning Star, published November 30, 2022, Davy Crockett
Additional Resources:
Wyomia Tyus: The Original Athlete Activist Hiding in Plain Sight, December 23, 2021, Allison Torres Burtka
Wyomia Tyus, Oiselle.com
“Live in Eugene” Legacy of Speed podcast, August 23, 2022, Malcolm Gladwell ft. Wyomia Tyus, Ato Boldon and Tommie Smith
Additional Resources:
The Fastest Woman in the World Was the Most Fashionable, Too: Flo-Jo’s Olympics Style, August 8, 2016, Marjon Carlos
Florence GRIFFITH-JOYNER, Olympics.com
There’s Only One Flo-Jo: Everything You Need to Know About the Fastest Woman of All Time, July 31, 2021, Johanna Gretschel
Additional Resources:
“Anthony Reed- Pushing the Limits” Late Bloomer Living Podcast, November 4, 2020, Yvonne Marchese ft. Anthony Reed and Charlotte Simons
He’s A Marathon Pioneer, But Tony Reed’s Biggest Goal: More Black Marathoners, December 11, 2015, Krystina Martinez, Rick Holter
Tony Reed Is Committed to Alleviating the Loneliness of the Black Long-Distance Runner, July 23, 2021, Sarah Franklin
Additional Resources:
Athlete CeCe Telfer Says Sports Allow Trans Youth To Be Seen As People First, June 17, 2021, Josey Murray
Athlete Ally Action Awards to Honor CeCé Telfer, September 13, 2022, Joanna Hoffman
CeCe Telfer Has Already Made History, June 18, 2021, Megan DiTrolio
Additional Resources:
Historic African American Long Distance Running Milestone!, Jan 1, 2020, Larry Roberts
African American History Timeline (1880 – 1979) Long Distance Running History, Ted Corbitt
Additional Resources:
Just run’ — trailblazing marathoner Marilyn Bevans met the challenges and became a champion, November 2, 2018, Percell Dugger
Marilyn Bevans: The first African American woman to win a marathon, She. Is. Beautiful.
Marilyn Bevans, Fleet Feet
Additional Resources:
An injury led April Holmes to rediscover her passion for sport, The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
April Holmes Athlete Bio, Team USA
Additional Resources:
Additional Resources:
Coree Woltering Is Ultrarunning’s Unstoppable Heartland Hero, April 9, 2021, Heather Balogh Rochfort
Merrell Signs Ultramarathon Runner Coree Woltering, January 11, 2024, Peter Verry
Runner Coree Woltering, The North Face
