Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Jordan Reed

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jordan Reed, and I am a current freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. I am in the College of Arts and Science and plan on majoring in architecture with a minor in mechanical engineering.

I attended Dr. Phillips High School in my hometown of Orlando, Florida. I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts, and I love cats.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

My favorite quote is, "Take it one day at a time." My dad reminds me of this whenever I get overwhelmed with balancing school and rowing. It helps me get out of my head and focus on what is in front of me.

What impact has rowing made on your life?

Rowing has allowed me to meet so many amazing and inspiring people from all over the world; I have met some of my closest friends through this sport. Rowing also allows me to push myself and reach higher limits every day. While I have gone through many changes in my life, the one thing that I can rely on to stay consistent is rowing, and for that, I am thankful to be a part of such a tight-knit community.

What is the essence of you?

The core of my being lies in my continuous drive to foster inclusivity. Having personally experienced the discomfort of being an outsider, I actively strive to create an environment where individuals from all walks of life feel valued and embraced, no matter the social setting.

How, if at all, does your identity play a role in shaping who you are and who you will continue to become?

Navigating the world of rowing as a Black woman in a predominantly white sport and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has greatly intensified my commitment to advocacy. As this sport becomes more diverse, I strive to be a role model, paving the way for others to feel not just welcomed and empowered, but also affirmed that their voice deserves to be heard just the same as everyone else's.

What is something about you or your culture you wish more people understood?

Yes, my hair is going to look different every three to four weeks.

The theme for Black History Month 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. How do you feel rowing exists as an art form?

Rowing is a nuanced and collaborative art form where each stroke functions as a meticulous brushstroke, a carefully crafted line of poetry, or a note in an unfolding musical composition. In the collective rhythm of rowing, individuals within the boat assume the roles of artists driven by a shared motive — to create a vivid painting, a resonant poem, or a harmonious musical composition on the canvas of the water. The beauty lies not only in the finished piece, but also in the individual strokes, notes, and lines that create the final piece of artwork.

Browse the official USRowing Black History Month Resource Guide here.