May is for Memories

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The start of the WNBA season has welcomed a lot of new energy. Watch parties in Philly, Raleigh, and Chicago. Excitement over the development of a new team in the Golden State Valkyries. Technical fouls in almost as many games played. And of course, calls to have women traded from teams if they make mistakes. That last sentence is one of the main reasons I started Melanin MVP.

Black and Brown women athletes often don't receive a soft landing in the media, whether from press outlets or social media. I think the distance we have from these players and the games gives people the confidence to say things they would never say to them in person if they truly knew what it was like to be in their shoes. People have cold shooting nights. People miss free throws. People make mistakes. Coaches don't always make the right call. Teams lose games. And that's the beauty of the game. If everyone were perfect all the time, it wouldn't be interesting. Let people be passionate. Let people be imperfect. Give players time to adjust and find chemistry.

I'm under no illusion that this newsletter community will stop people from having and sharing their opinions. Still, I want it to be a place where women athletes are celebrated, not constantly subjected to criticism for every decision they make on and off the court, pitch, track, etc. If you’re here, I hope you want that too.

May is National Bike Month

Cycling is one of the most versatile forms of exercise and transportation available. Cycling offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, combining cardiovascular benefits with low-impact exercise that's gentle on joints while building muscle strength and endurance. Beyond the physical advantages, regular cycling has been shown to boost mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression through the release of endorphins and the meditative quality of rhythmic pedaling. As an eco-friendly mode of transportation, cycling also connects riders with their environment, which helps with community-building (waving at people on the trails is much better received than waving at people while driving in your car) and environmental consciousness (biking for a better climate is cool too). Whether commuting to work, enjoying weekend trails, or participating in group rides, cycling provides an accessible way to improve overall health while experiencing the joy of nature.

This month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more folks to give biking a try. I started riding a bike as a kid, like many people, and made my way back to it as an adult. I’ve really been enjoying riding recreationally along the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, NC, and the riverwalk in Columbus, Ga. I’d love to bike more for transportation and for social time with friends.