The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) Announces 'RUN THE BLOCK' Grant Recipient
The wait is over! … Drumroll, please!
Congratulations to Carol Holland and Jesse Holland, the inaugural RUN THE BLOCK program recipients! They will receive $200,000 and dedicated mentorship from the RIDC network.
Native to Prince George’s County, Maryland, Carol Holland is an engineer, former All-American track star, and Athletic Hall of Fame member at the U.S. Naval Academy, and her husband, Jesse Holland, is a college professor, journalist, and author. RUN THE BLOCK will help them open Haraka–their future run specialty store that will supply running and walking shoes, accessories, clothing, and nutrition, serving communities in the local area and the broader District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia regions.
WATCH: MEET THE HOLLANDS (7-minute film). The shorter version can be found here.
Anyone could apply to RUN THE BLOCK with at least 51% Black ownership, a criterion aimed at increasing access to financial support and mentorship for businesses substantially owned and run by Black individuals and addressing historical barriers to access capital.
The RUN THE BLOCK Selection Committee consisted of run industry leaders ranging from market-leading brands and owners of run specialty stores to business growth development; Kerin Hempel, former CEO of New York Road Runners; Jason Hunt, co-owner of Elite Feet; Joy Hunt, co-owner of Elite Feet; Parker Karnan, Founder and General Manager at Karnan Associates; Skot Welch, President and Founder of Global BridgeBuilders, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of New Community Transformative Fund; and Rick Wilhelm, Vice President, U.S. Specialty Retail Accounts at Brooks Running.
Please help us spread word about this announcement: We're thrilled to share our 🎥 shorter film and photos. Catch a glimpse and share on your social channels! Connect with them on social media now at: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
A heartfelt thank you to Brooks Running for their generous donation to make this program a reality, and to Charm City Run, Playmakers, Strava, and OutsidePR for their additional support. We also thank the initial review team: Lindsey Mulder, DeAnthony White, Shannon Woods, Kathy Dalby, and Chris Lampen-Crowell.
In partnership,
Kiera Smalls, Executive Director
Abigail Hollie, Program Manager