Trailblazing rower Brannon Johnson recently made history by founding BLJ Community Rowing – the first and only Black-owned and operated rowing club in America. Headquartered along Philadelphia’s iconic Schuylkill River, the club provides access and opportunities in the elite sport for Black and minority communities.
Champion Rower Returns Home To Set Up Pioneering Club
Johnson first discovered rowing herself at a summer camp, although she felt uncomfortable as one of the few non-white participants. After attending the University of Texas on a full rowing scholarship, winning medals in top regattas and competing worldwide, Johnson returned home to Philadelphia.
She soon noticed the glaring lack of diversity in the sport and set out to change that. “It was a vehicle to a better life for me. I feel extremely grateful and incredibly responsible to give that opportunity to as many people as possible in the Black and brown communities,” Johnson shared.
Removing Boundaries To Rowing Through Instruction and Access
Since founding BLJ Community Rowing in 2013, Johnson has personally taught over 1,500 individuals to row. She actively recruits minorities from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
“We are passionate about providing access to the elite sport of rowing by removing boundaries and creating opportunities,” the club declares. The coaching staff also reflects the club’s mission towards empowerment, with rowers Asiyah Harrison and Jill Roberts assisting Johnson.
Rowing as a Vehicle for Opportunity and Change
With over 50% of students being people of color, BLJ Community Rowing uses the sport as a catalyst for access to experiences, personal growth and scholarships – just as it did for Johnson.
“I love that it’s not about me. I love that it’s about this community,” remarked Johnson about enabling others through her pioneering club. By opening doors to rowing, she rows against the tide of inequity still prevalent nationwide.
Through vision and action, Brannon Johnson steers Black participation in the elite echelons of rowing to new heights in Philadelphia and beyond. As her empowering club surges ahead, she makes waves well beyond the waters of history.
