Evan Taylor fell in love with Black Men Run, a group that encourages health and wellness among Black men.
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana man is making it his mission to educate other Black men on the importance of taking care of their health.
Evan Taylor wasn’t always a runner, instead playing basketball while growing up. But he would later find a community to help keep him active.
“When I joined Black Men Run, running a 5K every Saturday, I was, like, ‘This is different.’ I’m used to a quick out and back,” Taylor said.
He fell in love with Black Men Run, a group that started in 2013 and is now nationwide. The group encourages health and wellness among Black men.
While heart disease is the leading cause of death for all U.S. adults, it’s more prevalent in Black Americans. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, nearly 60% of Black men and women suffer from cardiovascular disease.
“Black men die at a disproportionate rate from cardiovascular diseases, so a mix of that being an inactive lifestyle, also, where Black folks live, you don’t typically have the best options for food,” Taylor said.
Taylor wants to make sure he doesn’t become a statistic.
“I want to be able to see my son grow and have a healthy lifestyle. I also try to stay in shape because when he becomes between 10 and 15, I still want to be able to beat him in that local pickup game or that foot race,” Taylor said.
Taylor became an ambassador for the Indianapolis chapter of Black Men Run, encouraging others to take care of their health — not only physically, but educating members about proper nutrition and focusing on mental and emotional health.
“Being Black in America continues to be very stressful, so all of those things on the Black male body, you need something to get that stress and energy off of you,” Taylor said.
The men in the group come together for more than just running, they form a bond — a brotherhood.
“If you walk with us just a mile, you’ve lapped everybody on the couch and, so long as you’re up and moving and active, that’s our main goal for all Black men,” Taylor said.
It’s a simple step that can lead to a healthier future.