The Mission of Black Men Run Seattle: Building Health and Community
Photos by Jordan Somers
Isael "Cory" McCall, a driving force behind Black Men Run Seattle, recently joined Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss his work with the organization, which focuses on promoting health and wellness among Black men in Seattle and beyond. With chapters worldwide, Black Men Run is more than just a running group; it's a global movement aimed at improving the health outcomes of Black men.
McCall, one of the initial co-founders of Black Men Run Seattle, first discovered the organization while living on the East Coast. "I saw a shirt, and I said, 'Oh, I want that shirt.' Like, how do I get that shirt?" he recounted. What started as a simple interest in a piece of apparel led McCall to discover a worldwide network of Black men committed to fitness and community. Founded in Atlanta by two brothers, the organization was born out of a health scare—one of the founders suffered a stroke and was advised by his doctor to get active.
This call to action resonated with McCall when he moved to Seattle, a city he describes as transient, where he was looking to find a community of Black men. "I was looking for people that looked like me. I wanted to connect with brothers. I wanted to get into the community," he explained.
The statistics are stark: Black men face higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes than any other racial group. Black Men Run is determined to change this narrative. Through social media and a visible presence in the community, McCall and his fellow members spread awareness and invite others to join. "When you see a bunch of Black men running down the street, we got all the cool swag, the shoes, the gear. Naturally, if you see someone looking like you doing something, you're like, 'I want what those guys got.'"
McCall emphasizes that the organization is inclusive of all fitness levels, from seasoned marathoners to beginners. "We have a model: No man left behind," he said, explaining that experienced runners help train newcomers and build their confidence and endurance. "If you can start there, the rest is history."
For McCall, Black Men Run Seattle is as much about community building as it is about health. While he resides outside Seattle, McCall has noticed the lack of community within the city and is committed to creating a space where Black men can connect. By organizing events like the upcoming Fame Church run and the Station to Station Coffee Run, the group supports local Black-owned businesses and encourages community engagement.
Their annual event, "Circle the Block," held during Black History Month, brings together Black health professionals to lead classes on nutrition, yoga, meditation, and more, focusing on Black health and wellness.
McCall also highlighted the importance of involving young people in the movement. At a recent Black Men Run Northwest Regional meetup, the group encouraged participation from runners as young as eight years old. "If you expose the child early, they fall in love with it," McCall said.
For those interested in joining Black Men Run Seattle or connecting with a chapter in another city, McCall invites people to follow them on Instagram at BMR Seattle and Facebook at Black Men Run Seattle. More information about chapters across the country and gear can be found at blackmenrun.com.
Upcoming Events:
Historic Run: August 11th - Join Black Men Run Seattle for a special run exploring Seattle's Black history.
Family Run: August 18th - Bring the whole family for a run between the Station Coffe Shops
More Info: https://blackmenrun.com/blackmenrun-chapters/seattle/
Tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
