For 10 years I’ve had the privilege to be at the helm of navigating Downtown Brown through a pretty remarkable time in the history of Ultimate. While DTB started at a time when the number of players of color were almost anomalies, the sport has obviously grown and welcomed more and more minority players into its ranks. But, as progress is rarely, if ever, linear, ensuring that DTB continued to exist became my priority.
There are definitely moments on the field and in the circle when this undertaking fills my soul, but most of the time it has felt imperfect and difficult. How does one justify the need for a team like DTB? How does one react to those who say it makes them uncomfortable? Why put forth so much effort and work when people just want to play a game? What is this all for?
I believe the answer lies in recognizing that it is becoming far too rare to experience genuine connection and kinship. So often we interact superficially and hastily such that we almost forget we need it. This is why I think being a part of DTB resonates so deeply: it’s like coming up for air.
For me, DTB is understanding that acceptance and inclusivity comes from acknowledging ALL the parts of ourselves, not just the parts that look or act the same, or are easy to digest. That acceptance does not require assimilation—it requires receiving with compassion and celebrating what makes us unique.
Such spaces need to be more common. That is why this past season I asked: WHO WE BE? It is a question that challenges us not to simply judge and dismiss, but listen and relate. More importantly, however, it is a reflection of an undeniable truth: the hard subjects of life (including how we treat each other, speak to each other, and interact with each other) are not “fixed” or “solved” through a single interaction or acknowledgement; on the contrary, they are an ongoing struggle that requires work and reflection, and above all else, empathy.
To the extent that Downtown Brown can be the mirror or reminder of such truth, I believe the team’s existence is and will continue to be a positive force that I hope endures in this community and beyond.
