Meet BRAID's Baylor Henry

BRAID is one of this year's Shop for a Change businesses USRowing is highlighting through May. BRAID stands for Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity, they’re committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space for Black girls to connect, grow, and thrive in the rowing world. Their mission is to amplify the message that Black rowers are invaluable and essential to this sport. Co-founded by Amari Randall and Joy Neal, their vision is a rowing community where Black athletes are seen, celebrated, and supported. To support their goal, shop here. 

What was the driving force for joining the BRAID leadership team? (The Why) 

Transitioning from blackgirlsrow, joining the leadership team for BRAID was driven with the desire to expand my impact and opportunity to work with other athletes, creating a legacy that would foster discipline, teamwork, and making rowing more mainstream in the black community.   

Who has inspired you in life?  

There are many people who have inspired me in my life, but the two most important people would have to be my parents. They have been the backbone to who I am today and have offered so much wisdom that have shaped my journey. Through their sacrifices, resilience, and unconditional love, they have instilled in me the values of perseverance, integrity, and compassion. Whether it was encouraging me to chase my dreams, teaching me the importance of hard work, or simply being there during life’s toughest moments, my parents have always led by example. Their words of wisdom and unwavering belief in my potential have been the driving force behind my successes, and for that, I am forever grateful.  

What impact do you hope BRAID has on the community?  

Rowing is the ultimate team sport and what I’ve learned in my nine years of crew is that teamwork isn’t just about winning championships together, it trains you to lean on the strengths of each other, fostering innovation and success. I hope BRAID continues that element of rowing, but also creates safe spaces for black athletes to excel and be seen. There are so many of us doing amazing work that rarely gets recognised. I’m excited to see what’s ahead for BRAID and the rowing community.  

How has your journey in rowing driven your activism?  

My journey in rowing has deeply shaped my activism by showing me firsthand the importance of representation. Growing up in Georgia, I often felt isolated, facing difficult challenges that I fought privately amongst my coaching staff. Transitioning to college, I was able to have the amazing opportunity to be coached by Asiya Mahmud. Her diligence and strength inspired me to stand my ground during my early years at Drexel and she has been an influential role model in my rowing career. As I navigated the sport, I faced comparisons to the "ideal rowing look" despite my athleticism and hated the feeling of always being in the hot seat. The privilege to row in the first all black womens eight in 2022 was a testimony to the tears and triumphs of previous years and has left me wanting to empower more athletes to commit to the sport. I participated in something I never thought I would see when I was a novice in 2017. Through my activism, I’ve worked to ensure that young Black athletes are not only introduced to the sport but are also supported and empowered to succeed. With BRAID, I’m driven by the belief that everyone should have access to opportunities that allow them to thrive.  

What are your passions beyond college?  

My biggest passion aside from rowing is fashion. I love a good fit and have aspirations to possibly pursue a career in the modeling and fashion world with my marketing degree. Other than that, you will find me recipe testing different meals or creating a cozy space for my dearest friends and family. You will always find me looking for small ways to make my personal space warm or indulging in a good book. Rowing is a fast way of living, so I look for moments to slow down and enjoy the little pockets of life.  

What advice do you have for young athletes coming up in the rowing world? 

You must trust the process. As much as it may sound like a broken record, it is so true. The more you fight it, the harder it will become to lean in and make your story yours.