#1: We control our own narratives. We refuse to be defined and scrutinized by those who do not share our love, struggle, and story within the realm of cycling and all outdoor spaces.
-We control our own narratives: The lives we lead are our narratives, and our narratives are our most powerful weapon. As Black people, we come from a past where our bodies were stolen, and our narratives were forced upon us by white people. During slavery, even the slightest thought of deviating from the “Master’s” plan would be punishable by death. We are no longer enslaved people; therefore, our narratives can no longer be controlled. We cherish being the masters of our bodies and stories. We are carving our stories into a vast, more accepting world. The Black Foxes believe through words, actions, and lifestyles, we curate our own stories.
- We refuse to be defined and scrutinized by those who do not share our love, struggle, and story within the realm of cycling and all outdoor spaces: The expressions of Black people is not always deemed socially acceptable by white people, and we are judged for not fitting into these white norms. We are unfairly funneled into demeaning categories causing us to be viewed and treated as inexperienced, suspicious, and dangerous.
Just a month ago, I was stopped by a white officer in a trailhead parking lot before a ride. The officer informed me someone had called and reported me as a suspicious person with a nice bike. I observed only one other person in the parking lot with me who happened to be a white womxn. As I explained to the officer that the bike was mine, he scanned me up and down. He saw my matching kit, helmet, shoes, and sunglasses. He considered me not a threat, saying," You look the part." then kindly dismissed me. As I rode away, these questions coursed through my mind. “How would it have gone if I didn't look the part? What if I were wearing shorts and a baggy tee; would the officer have believed me? What hoops would I have had to jump through to prove I belong?” I could not ignore feeling unwelcome and judged as a Black person in the cycling community.
The message was clear: Your Black body does not belong here. However, I did not internalize the message. My Black body is at peace when I ride, and that will not be taken away from me. I will not accept being pushed out of a space where I have every right to belong. I recognize that the gazes of white people do not begin to scratch the surface, who I am, nor my fellow Black cyclists. We are complex and accomplished human beings. For these reasons, Black Foxes has determined to surround ourselves with people who are actively battling for an anti-racist world, where our blackness is encouraged, where our experiences can lead, and where our stories are valued.
I belong here!
I belong here!
I belong here!
I belong here!