GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jonathan Kennedy is playing a crucial role in helping to achieve racial equality, social justice, and change within our country. 
 
A Charlotte, North Carolina native, the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) sophomore is a catalyst for change as a member of the UNCG Black Student-Athlete Alliance, serving as its community service chair. Being in the BSAA has increased Kennedy's confidence, inspired optimism for a brighter future, and provided an opportunity to get to know other athletes outside of his team while having authentic conversations and offering solutions in a safe space. 
 
This summer was transformative for Kennedy, a member of the UNCG school record 4 x 400-meter relay team with Tyler Adams, Wesley Clayton, and Joe Thoma.
 
"Being at a few protests during the summer opened my eyes more to the impact of my voice within my community," Kennedy said. "Seeing people my age using their voices and leading protests in my community inspired me and showed me I don't need to have the same influence as Colin Kaepernick or Lebron James because change is gradual and happens one step at a time. So, I don't have to worry about changing the whole world, but just doing my part and what I can is enough."
 
This past year has challenged many in different ways by testing the patience of everybody. Yet through the tears, protests, pain, pandemic, and political climate, a resilient spirit emerged. One that has energized those speaking against systemic racism, police brutality, and social injustice with the hope of a brighter tomorrow. 
 
"2020 was a difficult year with having to face the cancellation of our seasons, isolation in quarantine, online coursework, and an overall sense of confusion and stress," Kennedy said. "In the end, it will be amazing to see what we all overcame once it becomes a memory of the past."
 
Kennedy's creating the future he wants to see. His career goal is to become a pediatrician. Influencing the next generation of kids and empowering them is important to Kennedy.
 
"I used to work at a summer camp and at first I thought I was just doing a job, but I was able to see the impact I had on kids in such a short amount of time," Kennedy said. "Sometimes just being there and believing in them can allow them to do things they never thought they could achieve. 
 
"During the extended break we had, I did a lot of research in the education system and learned things that I experienced that now had terms for them such as tracking, social stratification, and hidden curriculums which can affect the social trajectory of the youth and their minds. I just want kids to be healthy and have a chance to explore all options and be whatever they want to be."
 
Standing 6 foot, 3 inches, Kennedy envisioned playing in the NBA one day. However, he realized that wasn't going to be a reality since he was still playing on the junior varsity squad in the eleventh grade. 
 
That was when Larry Gibson changed Kennedy's life by convincing him to try out for the track team.
 
"Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today," Kennedy said. "He believed in me and saw the potential in me when I didn't see it in myself. That belief coming from someone who genuinely loves the sport and set records at the school encouraged me to give it my all to be the best I could be. I just enjoyed seeing the progress and betting on myself to see how much better I could be. So, coach if you're reading this thank you, and I still haven't broken 4:00 yet." 
 
Away from the track, Kennedy loves photography and graphic design. The extended time at home has allowed Kennedy to watch every episode of the iconic sitcoms "Martin" and "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Also, he enjoys watching animation programs. 
 
Most importantly, Kennedy was blessed for the gift of perspective during this tumultuous year. 
 
"If there's one thing I learned from this pandemic is that crisis creates opportunities," Kennedy said. "Being in this situation that no one else has ever been and isolated for so long only exposes us to our current strengths and weaknesses. The crisis won't do the work for us but looking at the bigger picture we can grow from adversity which can allow us to leave this pandemic stronger, wiser, and with more compassion for each other."