I am quite excited for the start of a new era and hope that the next chapter in our history is one where our country reaches its full potential as a democracy and uplifts and serves all citizens.
We know for this dream to come true that we must be active citizens and not passive in this change. The events of this year have made it impossible to ignore the roles white supremacy and systemic racism play in our country and culture.
I personally have learned a lot that has challenged many of my assumptions, privilege, actions and inactions. And am calling on our followers and community to join me in this work.
On Monday, we shared a quote by MLK:
I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Council-er or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direct action;"
This quote feels more true than ever!
Why does this matter to us as a gym? Because the health and fitness industry is not immune to the reigns of white supremacy. In fact as recently as the early 2000s there were still tennis and golf clubs that excluded people of color. This is just one overt example of discrimination. It does not take a very discerning eye to see the amount of segregation that still shows in the fitness industry. Most fitness clubs are dominated by white owners, patrons and ideals.
In order for us to fulfill our vision of empowering all folks to move with joy we must examine the ways in which white supremacy hinders this goal. It is important to us that we cultivate a fitness community that questions and challenges the way gender binaries, diet culture, and white supremacy show up in the fitness industry.
Activism is not easy! It takes a lot of energy to go against the systems that maintain the status quo. We know this whole-heartedly at Ascent! And we coach fitness in a way that helps us be more embodied, honest to our feelings, and gives us the energy to act and move in the ways we want to.
As a community, we can demand a better future! Let today be the inauguration of an era in which Black Lives Matter and our true democracy is realized.