Running while Black: A distinctive safety concern and barrier to exercise in White neighborhoods

Abstract

While literature has shown that some Black Americans cite safety concerns as a barrier to outdoor activity in their neighborhoods for reasons related to violence, limitations in the built environment (e.g., lack of sidewalks), and even unleashed dogs, recent national events suggest that attention should also be directed toward the safety concerns of Black Americans living in neighborhoods that do not involve the commonly referenced issues above. In this timely commentary, the unique personal perspectives and internal dialogue of Black exercisers while navigating predominantly White neighborhoods, particularly those of higher socioeconomic status are discussed. This piece also includes discussion of how racial profiling incites hypervigilance and often fear in Black Americans attempting to exercise outdoors in White spaces. This is problematic, as it can discourage this incredibly positive health behavior that has been shown to mitigate obesity, cardiometabolic risk, and several other health disparities that continue to afflict Black communities. A collaborative effort inclusive of physical activity, public health/health disparity, and social science researchers is warranted to build a body of current scientific literature that elucidates and explores this particular safety concern in various Black outdoor enthusiasts.

Keywords

• African-American
• Health disparities
• Social justice
• Vulnerable populations
• Physical activity
• Health promotion