Life at the non-profit has been stable as more kids have turned to Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club to find a safe space.

“I want to keep kids off the streets,” founder Ellis “El-Dog” Ferrell, 83, said. “I want to give them something to do besides nothin’ because if they got nothin’ to do, they might get into trouble.”

Ferrell said the non-profit space is a safe haven for kids of any age to come and engage with the horses while building character and community. 

“We’re not just teaching kids how to ride,” he said. “We teach ‘em how to take care of ‘em. You gotta know how to take care of ‘em if you want to ride ‘em.” 

That includes feeding the horses, keeping proper maintenance on them and the stables, and knowing how to saddle them up before a ride.

Ferrell said he wants the horses at non-profit to continue keeping kids safe long after he is gone.

“I just want people to remember me for keeping these kids out of trouble,” Ferrell said as he sat in a foldable chair wearing a shirt that read “Black Lives Matter” and a brown cattleman hat. “When I’m gone, they can say, ‘he taught me.’ That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

From left to right: Aziyah, Hakeem, Aazim, and Yasin chat while sitting on the edge of the water bins for the horses in the corral. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Theron, a young volunteer at Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, poses with Babbles at the stables. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Aazim poses with Babbles, one of the horses at Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in Philadelphia. Babbles was kicked in the face by her mother when she was young, which resulted in her crooked smile, but she is cherished at Fletcher Street. Aazim is a great-grandson of founder Ellis Ferrell, and he has been involved in horse riding and helping at the stables for several years. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Aazim and Theron give a child a ride during their visit at Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Ellis Ferrell, founder of Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, sits in a chair and talks about his love for horses. “I had a one-eyed horse that wasn’t trained right,” Ferrell said. “I was out there every morning in the field with him — lunging him. I retrained him. He was my special horse. I get emotional talking about it because we bonded. We both loved peppermint candy. He knew when my truck would pull up because he would get some peppermint. After training, he knew he would get peppermint. He just knew.” April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Darrin Ferrell, son of Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club founder Ellis Ferrell, stands in the corral on Fletcher Street as the horses run around. The corral offers a space for the non-profit’s horses, along with those not belonging to the non-profit, to be active. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A young visitor at Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club gets a full view of teeth from Khloe, one of the horses there. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Rasul walks their newest and largest horse to the corral on Fletcher Street as a Septa bus passes by. They are currently trying to decide between the name Brutus or Hercules for him. April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Aziyah, a young volunteer with Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, interacts with the non-profits newest and largest horse that hasn’t officially been named yet. “Just because he’s bigger, doesn’t mean he’s scarier,” she said. Aziyah is the only young girl who volunteers at Fletcher Street. “It’s given me more confidence. It feels special being the only girl here, but a part of me wishes there were a tad more here. A lot of girls my age would rather do their makeup or go to parties, but that’s not me. I love it here.” April 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Some of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club group. Generations of volunteers, from children to adults, participate at the non-profit. “It’s a community here,” said Ellis Ferrell, founder of the non-profit. Photo by Nathan Morris

The post Horses bring hope to North Philly youths appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

Hanson started Trans Boxing in 2017 as an experimental project that offers an unconventional approach to a boxing club by encouraging the participation of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the sport of boxing. 

“We’re not there solely because we are trans,” Hanson said. “We are there to box and to be integrated into the boxing community. With Trans Boxing, people connect to it because they love the sport.”

Hanson wants to normalize the integration of the transgender community into an often cisgender dominated sport to bring boxers of all identities together. Now, boxers from outside the trans community have joined in to help newcomers of the group. 

“Naturally, it has opened up to build allyship and further support for the community as a team,” he said.

The group encourages anyone who feels there is no place for them to join, regardless of gender identity, as it seeks to connect all people and promote team and community building through a vulnerable sport like boxing.

A sparring match between two members of the Trans Boxing group at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Nolan Hanson, founder of Trans Boxing. The group offers a space for members of the trans community, as well as members outside of the community to receive boxing training in a judgment-free and supportive environment, while also bringing people together. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Members of the Trans Boxing group talking amongst each other at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. They said this group has allowed them to meet people in the community as well as allies. One ally to the community is Naiky, 27, pictured sitting on the edge of the ring. She joined to help the group with sparring. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Nolan Hanson praises Sab, 21, for his work in the ring at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Sab is a member of Trans Boxing. He has always wanted to try boxing. To him, the group provides a positive and healthy environment for him to train and learn the sport. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Tyce, 24, participates in the Trans Boxing group at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. He said the culture of boxing always made him nervous to take part, mainly due to the stereotypes of hyper-masculinity surrounding the sport. With Trans Boxing, he said he can finally try boxing in an atmosphere where he can be himself. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Chella Man joined Trans Boxing four months ago. A well-known activist in the trans community and an advocate for disability awareness, as he is deaf, he said he searched for a judgment-free and safe space to engage in sports, while training with other members and allies of the community. With this group, he said he found it. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Chella sparring in the ring at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Chella was hit in the nose and got a nosebleed at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. He still continued to spar, his nosebleed coming back shortly after. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Members and allies of Trans Boxing in the ring at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. The group consists of trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as allies who would like to participate. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A pin that says “Protect Trans Youth” on a backpack that sits on the edge of the boxing ring. The colors of the pin represent the transgender flag. April 15, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

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This was a way for them to honor the Freedom Riders, who were young Black and white civil rights activists that rode buses to protest racial segregation laws within public transportation in 1961. This time, demonstrators got off the charter buses and held several signs in support of decarceration while chanting “Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Rikers Island Has Got to Go.” The demonstrators were protesting to close Rikers Island, the notorious jail that is continuing to claim Black lives due to its extremely poor conditions.

“Since it’s Black History Month, specifically the last day, we really wanted to honor the memory of the Freedom Riders that rode the buses to fight to end racial segregation and injustices,” said Darren Mack, who is an activist and organizer with Freedom Agenda. “We wanted to try to do the same thing today with what has been going on at Rikers.”

Earlier that morning, it was announced that yet another person died at Rikers, making him the first death of 2022. Tarz Youngblood was found unresponsive in his cell, where he later died at the hospital. The cause of death is being investigated, but protesters today continue to wonder how many more lives this jail will take.

A demonstrator stands next to one of the “Freedom Buses” he rode to the foot of the bridge to Rikers Island where the rally to close the jail took place. His sign reads “Free Our People.” February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A woman gets off the “Freedom Bus” with her sign that reads “Rikers is a Death Sentence.” The buses parked at the foot of the bridge to Rikers Island, where the rally to close the jail took place. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Two police officers stand by and watch the large crowd of demonstrators at the Freedom Bus to Rikers Island rally. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Lezandre Khadu, mother of Stephan Khadu, a 24 year old man that died at Rikers in September 2021, pleads for the closure of the jail at the Freedom Bus to Rikers Island rally. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A police station on Hazen Street sits behind demonstrators of the Freedom Bus to Rikers Island rally. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A group of demonstrators called the “Shut It Down! Squad.” They also rode the Freedom Bus to the rally to close Rikers Island. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A corrections bus passes by as it leaves Rikers Island. Demonstrators at the rally to close the jail shouted that it would soon be passing by again, this time bringing more people in. February 28, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

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“This is pretty emotional for me,” Savinova said. “Yesterday was heartbreaking because I was walking on the street, and I overheard people blaming Russians for this. I just want people toknow that so many Russians are against this war and are standing with Ukraine.” Savinova has Ukrainian friends and said that this cannot divide them because they are like family; they are both Slavic.

Anna Savinova holds the sign she made for a rally at Times Square. It reads “No War, Russians Against War.” The rally was in support of Ukraine and against Putin and the Russian government. February 25, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Outside the Consulate General of Russia, other Russian protestors also spoke of carrying a weight of shame. Sev Kugushev, 27 of Queens, held a sign that read “Het Boйhe,” meaning “No War” as he stood on East 91st Street and Fifth Avenue.  “I feel ashamed in being Russian, and then I feel ashamed in front of Ukraine because I can’t do anything,” Kugushev said. 

Holding a sign that read “Russians Against War and F*** Putin, Go to Hell,” Artem Golovin admits that while protesting might not change Putin’s mind, he continues to do so because he said it’s the only thing he can do. “I am extremely sad about this,” Golovin said. “I don’t see a way of how this will end.” 

About 600,000 Russian-Americans live in New York City, especially in Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach neighborhood. It is home to many Russians and Ukrainians, with restaurants and stores that cater to their culture. 

A demonstrator holds a sign that reads “LGBTQ+ Ukraine, We Love You” at the rally to support the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine. The rally took place outside of the Stonewall Inn. February 26, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

In Greenwich Village on Saturday, another demonstration at the Stonewall Inn was organized by members of LGBTQ+ groups from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. “LGBTQ+ Ukraine, We Love You” signs accompanied pride flags outside of the bar.

Ezra Erikson, 27 of Manhattan, echoed the comments of other Russians, giving an emotional speech about how important it is to not allow for a division between Ukrainians and Russians.

“I never supported Putin,” said Erikson as the crowd applauded. “I never voted for him. But nonetheless I feel responsible because it’s the country I was born in.”

Many Russians explained that they left their home country in search of a better life – safety, happiness, opportunities, and the choice to be their own person.

Sev Krugushev, who lived in Russia until he was 24, came to the U.S. about three years ago. He sought political asylum, and for him, living in Russia was endless days of fear.

“It is really scary to live in Russia, especially ever since they occupied Crimea,” Krugushev said. “If you want problems in Russia, make a sign against Putin and stand outside. Five minutes later you would be facing criminal charges. You’d be lucky if you weren’t beaten.”

Krugushev still has family in Russia and is worried that because of his past vocal opposition to the government, his parents and younger brother might be targeted. His brother turns 17 this month and could be eligible for the draft.

“If you are 17 or 18 and do not go to college, you’re eligible for drafting season into the Russian military. Many of them are in Ukraine right now,” he said.

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The parade was a mixture of bright colors, loud cheers, confetti launching into the air, and political protesting. Marni Halasa, 55, a frequent parade performer said not only was this year an important one for her, but it was also a different type of parade experience.

“Culturally, I think the parade this year was a boost of morale in the community,” Halasa said. “What’s interesting, though, is that usually parades aren’t really a venue of political protests, and there were people out here doing just that.”

A banner that read “Stop Asian Hate” was carried through the parade, a reminder of the ongoing acts of violence, prejudice, and xenophobia that have occured against Asian-Americans here since the pandemic began. Most recently, the death of Chinatown resident Christina Yuna Lee, sent shockwaves throughout the community. She was brutally murdered in her apartment.  

Spectators stood behind barricades holding signs that opposed a proposal for a city jail in Chinatown, one of the proposed detention centers to replace Rikers Island.

But the heart of the parade remained  a celebration of the vitality, color, and joy of Chinese culture.

A Lunar New Year Parade participant leads the Chinese dragons down Mott Street in Chinatown. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Lunar New Year Parade participants hold a sign that reads “Stop Asian Hate.” Since the start of the pandemic there has been a rise in violence directed at the Asian-American community. Awareness and solidarity were big themes in the Chinatown parade. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Spectators hold up signs to protest against a proposal to build a city jail in Chinatown during the Lunar New Year Parade.
February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer waves to the crowd as he walks along the route of the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. He was one of the elected officials that took part in the parade, in addition to Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Spectators of the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown, watch alongside the barricade as the performances pass by. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Chinese dragons walk along Mott Street in Chinatown while the crowd cheers. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Marni Halasa dances during the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Children walk in a dragon costume while participating in the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A young girl reaches to fist-bump and say hello as she was driven in a car along the Lunar New Year Parade route. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Confetti is shot up in the air on Mott St. during the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown. February 20, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

The post Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade returns appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

The memorial, decorated with colorful flowers, candles, and toys was accompanied by photographs of the men, women, and children who died from smoke inhalation. Flags of their native country Gambia were scattered throughout the memorial. The Bronx borough flag was also on display, representing the city that was their present home before their deaths.

Cristina Martinez of the Bronx came out in the cold with family members to see the memorial. Martinez lost two of her students in the fire.

“I found out while watching the news on TV,” Martinez said. “We were seeing what was going on and I immediately thought of my students. I just remember hoping I wouldn’t hear their names, but then I did.”

She walked along the sidewalk while looking at the large tribute, where she then recorded a video of it on her phone to show friends and family. 

Following suit, passersby continued admiring the memorial; the contrasting colors of the flowers that surrounded the photographs of the victims on a laminated piece of paper. The memorial provides a gathering space for the Bronx community to honor the lives of the 17 residents of 333 East 181st Street.

The high-rise apartment building, known as Twin Parks North West, that caught fire Jan 9. Many of the residents in this building were from Gambia and were a close-knit community. In front of the building was fire investigation. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Cristina Martinez of the Bronx records a video of the memorial as her family stands behind her. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Two passersby visit the memorial and talk amongt themselves about those they recognize. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

Haouwa Mahamadou, or as the poster reads, Hawa Toure. She was just five years old when her and her older brother Seydou lost their lives. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A photograph of Isatou Jabbie, 31. Jabbie and her husband, Hagi Jawara both died on Jan. 9. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A poster that reads “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we are returning.’ [The Noble Qur’an, 2:155-156].” January 30, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

A teddy bear was placed on the ledge of the memorial. January 23, 2022. Photo by Nathan Morris

The post Victims of Bronx fire honored in memorial appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

It was the first municipal skatepark in New York City and was recently renamed after Kessler after receiving several petitions. Many people come here because of their shared passion for skateboarding and love for the park itself. 

“This is my favorite skatepark,” Dazz Blake, 25, said. “I come here because of the vibes. Everyone here has good vibes and everyone supports each other.”

Dazz often comes here from New Jersey with his friend Joel, where they begin with a warmup of “S.K.A.T.E,” which is skateboarding’s version of basketball’s “H.O.R.S.E.” It’s a place where they can take the sport seriously, but also have fun while doing it.

Josh Canner, 19, commutes here from Nyack often on the weekends with his friends to skate. He said this skatepark is one of the best parks aside from the one where he and his friends live because of the people and how it was built. 

Andy Kessler Skatepark offers a place of community for these people. Each skater in this series comes from somewhere different. What connects them is mutual love for the sport, which brings them back to feel the vibes of this skatepark time and time again. 

Alex does a run on the half pipe. He was visiting from London and was heading back home before the holiday. He has been skating since he was a kid. November 28, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

“This board might be beat up, but until it’s on the last bearing, I just can’t afford to get a new one,” Dave Darling, 32 said. He is a new father and said that he plans on using the board until it starts falling apart because he can’t really afford to buy a new one. December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

Pierce Mead, 26 attempts a trick off the half pipe, but could not land it. “It’s not gonna happen,” he said after many failed attempts. December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

Dazz Blake, 25 films his friend Joel performing a trick. After multiple attempts, his friend still could not land it, but Dazz encouraged him to keep trying and continued to film for the moment when he did. December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

Josh Canner, 19 performs a trick on the half pipe. He often comes to this skatepark from Nyack because it’s his favorite park aside from the one located near him. November 21, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

“I just got this board,” Blake said. “DGK really cares about the skaters that use their brand and that’s why I like them.” December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

Dave Darling ripped his shirt while skating. He said he felt like the Hulk. After ripping his shirt, he continued skating; the rip continously blowing in the wind. December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

“I’m gonna try jumping the steps, but I don’t want to hit you,” Blake said. December 2, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

The post The Vibe Keeps it Alive appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

This year has been the deadliest on record for trans people. The US death toll is now at 47 compared to the record number last year, which was 44.

Allies and members of the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary communities gathered at Little Island in New York City for Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 to honor those who were killed.

“There are volatile acts of harassment and violence against trans women, specifically Black trans women and trans women of color,” Nereyda, 24 said. “Going out in public can be stressful. We are constantly in a state of survival. I’m just trying to go through society without being punched or spat on for being who I am.”  

Nereyda, who uses they/she pronouns, was one of the organizers and leaders of the vigil. They said Black trans women and trans women of color can experience transphobia, misogyny, and racism at the same time; making them more vulnerable to violence against them.

Nereyda hands out roses before the vigil at Little Island in New York City for Transgender Day of Remembrance began. The roses were provided to honor the trans lives that were lost this year. November 20, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

In a recent press release from the Human Rights Campaign, Interim President Joni Madison said the deaths of members of the transgender community stemmed from both bigotry and transphobia, and that Black trans women and trans women of color have been especially vulnerable.

“We can’t talk about race without talking about gender, and we can’t talk about gender without talking about race,” Nereyda said. “The way that we see race and gender today are tied into the violence that trans women, especially trans women of color, experience.”

Violence comes in many forms towards the trans community, physical, sexual, or verbal and they also face  discrimination.

A history of discrimination in healthcare, housing, and employment are other factors that can lead to violence towards the trans community. Between 2016 and 2019, the number of transgender people who were homeless increased by 88 percent. These intersecting hardships lead some trans women to do sex work to pay their bills. Especially in the US, trans women can be targeted for violence more more easily if they are known to work on a certain corner.

Dehumanization of and discrimination against trans people often begins with a longstanding history of anti-trans stigma, which also weaves through racism and sexism.

Gender non-conforming and non-binary folks have to navigate society’s expectations of traditional gender norms, even though they may not identify as any particular gender. For example, not all states have a non-binary option for the gender marker on a drivers license. As a result, not having an ID that matches how they identify can lead to harassment.

The history of traditional gender norms within society play a factor in the stigmatization of the transgender community. The characteristics of what differentiates a man and a woman have been rooted in the history of society, which can influence prejudice towards those that identify as neither.

“With all of the shit that we [trans and non-binary individuals] face, it makes it hard to trust people outside of our bubble,” Sugi, 34 said. Sugi, who uses they/them pronouns, has experienced being misgendered. They said it is something many non-binary individuals face, especially since many people are used to associating male pronouns to masculine presenting people and female pronouns to feminine presenting people. 

Daiya, 19 joined fellow community members at the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil to honor and remember the lives lost in her community. She said the most anxiety-inducing aspect of living as a transgender woman is the lack of societal awareness and education on not only trans issues, but general information on the trans community as well. 

“Living as a trans woman can be daunting sometimes,” Williams said. “Not everyone is aware of the trans community, and there is also a real lack of information out there.” 

With a lack of awareness and information regarding the community, a research study conducted by Pew Research Center showed that just 4 in 10 people say they personally know someone who is transgender.

“We are more than just trans and queer people,” Daiya said. “We are people. We matter.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance, began in 1999 as a memorialization to Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed the year prior. Since then, the goal has been to honor the lives of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people that were killed for being their authentic self.

Nereyda said the importance of TDOR is not limited to this year, but spans both past and present, as trans people were here generations before and will continue to be in the generations of the future. 

“TDOR is a way to go against the erasure of the trans community and to remind society that we are here,” they said. They said it also provides the opportunity to affirm the identities of those who were killed. 

Often, trans people who have not undergone a legal name change are subject to being misgendered in police reports, press, and death certificates. At the TDOR vigil, each name that was read were the names each person identified with, a way of honoring them for the person they always were. 

“I wish this would be the last vigil I went to, but I know it won’t be,” Sugi said.

While this year included an increase in trans murders, some members of the community continue to remain hopeful; hopeful for a future in which they can simply exist without having to carry with them an explanation or burden for being who they are.

“I do have hope for the future of trans people,” Nereyda said. “At the same time, I also will not be naive. I don’t think violence against trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary folks will end until well after I’m gone. But, I have to be hopeful because if not, what’s the point of anything?”

The post A deadly year for trans people appeared first on Pavement Pieces.

“To finish New York is an achievement in itself,” he said. “And to finish in the top five is even better.”

van Dyk, a marathon veteran, was congratulated by a cheering crowd of volunteers, spectators, and police officers as he changed into a different wheelchair. He said it felt good to be back this year since the marathon was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York City Marathon, to him, is a different kind of marathon.

“It’s a really tough road surface, and thank heavens we got here [to the finish line],” he said.

While running the marathon is challenging for all, wheelchair racers are also faced with the hurdle of shipping their wheelchair to the location of the marathon. 

“I get the most anxiety about whether my wheelchair will even make it from South Africa to here,” van Dyk said. “You can’t just run to the store to get new sneakers and then race.”

There was a time when van Dyk was not able to race in a past New York City Marathon because his wheelchair did not make it. 

“I remember I sat and watched the marathon on tv instead,” he said. “It’s frustrating because you work so hard for it and then that happens, and you can’t do anything about it.”

He is no stranger to competing in wheelchair marathons. van Dyk is a ten-time winner of the Boston Marathon , a two-time winner of the New York City Marathon, and a bronze medalist at Beijing in 2008.  

“My first paralympics was track in 1992,” he said. “I was a young king just starting out, surrounded by seasoned athletes. I just fell in love with it. Then I realized I was more of an endurance athlete, so I was competing in marathons.”

Paralympian Ernst van Dyk, 48 of Cape Town, South Africa poses for a portrait following his 5th place finish in the 2021 NYC Marathon. November 7, 2021. Photo by Nathan Morris

Van Dyk said training for marathons with a wheelchair is very different from those who are not. Since the lockdown during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, van Dyk said sharing roads with traffic has been more stressful and tricky because people seem to be more impatient while travelling. 

“Safety is something we always have to worry about when training,” he said. “We can’t just run on a trail. Instead, we have to share roads with traffic, and it can be a lot.”

He said that being a paralympian, the standard is set pretty high. With training, equipment, travel, and the amount of competition, it can seem like a lot for someone wanting to be like Ernst van Dyk.

“My advice,” he said. “yes there are a lot of pros out there, but you need to start somewhere, right?” 

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The 26-year-old boxer immigrated to  the United States  from Guyana when he was boy and grew up on the same street as famed former boxer Mike Tyson. Solomon describes himself as a kid who was once short and skinny with a big head, but all of that changed as he grew older.

Solomon now stands at 6 feet, 7 inches tall. He said as he grew, he began feeling like he was too big for an office job. He wanted to find a job he could love and find purpose in. With boxing, he found that. 

He is currently training for a  Nov. 13  fight  in New Hampshire. 

Pro Boxer Nkosi Solomon looks at himself in the mirror while he preparing for his pre-training stretches. He said this also gives him a workout before the workout, as he sweats just a little bit before the intensive training. Photo by Nathan Morris

The peeled sole of Solomon’s boxing boot. It does not phase him as he engages in stretching before he begins sparring. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon lands a punch on the pad held by his coach Don Saxby. He considers this an intensive part of training because it is fast-paced and focus-based. Nathan Morris

The gloves of Solomon’s first fight as a pro boxer. He lost his first pro fight, and he keeps it on the wall of his dining room as a reminder and motivation to not lose again. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon pumps himself up while training. “You know, I used to be short and skinny with a big head when I was a kid,” he said. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon listens to instruction from his coach during his heavy bag exercise. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon participates in a heavyweight sparring match. Many of those training inside the gym stop to watch him spar six rounds. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon and his sparring partner, Pryce Taylor, at the end of their sparring match. Solomon said that they both know how each other fights and that the match was bound to be exciting. Photo by Nathan Morris

Solomon takes a breather near the end of his training day. Photo by Nathan Morris

A graduation photo of  Solomon, with the lanyard he wore as part of Team USA’s boxing team hang on his living room wall.  His mom wants it there as a reminder of his accomplishments. Photo by Nathan Morris

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