FPO for a global announcement.
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BEHIND THE BRAND.
GET TO KNOW BLACK PICKLEBALL & CO.
We created Black Pickleball & Co. to provide a space where Black and minority folks can come together, learn the fastest-growing sport in the nation, and build meaningful connections.
HOW IT STARTED.
Founded in 2023, Black Pickleball was started as an Instagram page based on a revelation of being the only Black participants in a new pickleball facility in Charlotte, NC. In less than a year, that Instagram page has grown into a movement and a 501(c)3 organization. We have seen about 500 people attend our events - many of whom learned how to play the game through our programming.
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OUR WHY.
Over 36.5 million people play pickleball in the US, but only 7.3% identify as African-American/Black (SIFA 2022 Report).
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the US, valued for its accessibility and social benefits. However, its expansion has not significantly included the Black community, where underserved areas often lack resources for participation. This results in missed opportunities for physical activity, community engagement, and economic growth.
Low social capital is linked to higher crime, poor health, and weaker governance. Harvard research highlights that cross-class connections are key to boosting economic mobility.
OUR MISSION.
Our mission at Black Pickleball is to provide opportunities for cross-class connections inherent in communal sports to improve the financial literacy and economic mobility of minority communities. We are dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive environments that empower individuals through education, community engagement, and accessible health & wellness programming.
OUR VISION.
Our vision is to impact the socioeconomic status of minority communities through communal sports across the globe. We aim to ensure accessibility and opportunities for minority communities through our comprehensive community development and educational programming.
OUR TEAM.
Jamie Lane
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Max Johnson
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Jesse Neimus
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Drew Carlyle
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