CONNECTING PEOPLE IN A DISCONNECTED WORLD .
Charlie Dark MBA
DJ, Public Speaker, Mentor & Run Dem Crew Founder
Charlie Dark built one of London’s most important running collectives Run Dem, as an alternative to more traditional running clubs. We talk to him about how music, movement and community have shaped his path, and why in today's society real connection has never been more important.
Growing up, what did community look like for you — the people, places, and everyday experiences that shaped how you understood belonging early on?
My parents are West African and I grew up in South London in a diverse working-class area so community was imbedded in me from birth. Add a heavy dose of youth football, athletics, cub scouts and church on a Sunday and you have the basis of an internal DNA that bleeds community.
I was also deeply imbedded in the five elements of Hip-Hop culture as soon as it landed in the country at a time when it was still seen as outlaw rebel music. The love of a music genre that was still very underground meant you were drawn to other people who followed that sound.
Music has been a big part of your life. How did they influence how you saw yourself and the world around you?
My mum had a big record collection and a kicking stereo, so we always had great music playing in the house. Discovering the world of pirate radio in the early eighties also heavily shaped my approach to music both as a collector and a DJ. Hip-Hop was my first love and that led to an interest in Jazz and Soul music particularly when tracking down samples. Jungle and rave culture was also very important to shaping my digging discoveries and growing up in South London meant I had no choice but to embrace sound systems and Reggae.
" Run Dem was only supposed to be a six-week project — the main priority was to create a space where people from my musical and creative communities could come together "
Run Dem Crew started as something very simple. What were you responding to when you first brought people together?
Run Dem was only supposed to be a six-week project and the main priority was to create a space where people from my musical and creative communities could come together in the pursuit of fitness and connection. Social media was on the rise and burning the candle at both ends was rife. Close friends were dying before their time and I was tired of losing people either to suicide or illnesses that could be prevented.
Wellness and fitness are forward thinking movements that thrive on progression, whereas the music industry is often reluctant to embrace change until it’s too late — it has a tendency to play catch up with the rest of the world. I wanted to create a space where people could regularly come together to help each other be the best they can be whilst connecting in person in a disconnected world.
When the people I used to see in the club on a Saturday night started turning up on Tuesdays to run I knew it was hitting the community in the right place. People began to realise how infectious it was to be around positive goal-oriented people. London can be a lonely place, and I think people found the community empowering.
You’re a poet and writer; language clearly plays a role in how you connect with people. What does writing and poetry allow you to explore?
When you can speak in an engaging manner and hold space for people, it means the people you are trying to reach pay more attention to the message you are delivering. I realised the power of language when Hip-Hop hit the UK and people literally changed the way they spoke, dressed and moved because of the power of the lyrics they were hearing.
I love public speaking and poetry allows me to say things in a way that continues to fuel the torch handed down by the great orators before me. It also allows me to disguise the message, which you often have to do when working people who are difficult to reach.
Your work often sits at the intersection of creativity and wellbeing. How did practices like yoga and mindfulness enter your life, and what did they change for you personally?
My partner introduced me to Yoga and seeing the transformation in her sparked my curiosity to dig a little deeper into the practice. I met a fellow DJ producer who’d become a Yoga teacher and really enjoyed his classes because it felt like a mixtape with bodies, and that opened further exploration that led me to eventually take my teacher training. As far as impact on my life, it’s the closest to being a living Jedi that I’ve ever experienced and to be honest it’s been life changing. Running brought a big change to my perspective on life, but Yoga was definitely the missing piece. I was always a reactive kid but Yoga has brought a calmness to my personality and approach to life that has invaluable for surviving current times.
" It's nice to be recognised and the MBE was definitely unexpected.
I consider titles to be keys that open doors to have conversations with people I'm not supposed to be in the same room with "
How has this shaped the way you think about stress, balance, and mental health within communities?
The people who need wellness the most are often not in the rooms where it takes place. There is a barrier that still hasn’t been addressed. I definitely feel that it would help with the general mental health of those living under pressure.
We hear a lot about mental health, but not always about what support really looks like for people navigating pressure, burnout, or isolation? And with that how has RDC helped?
It’s people who physically check in with you when you are up, and also when you are down. Who listen to you without trying to solve the problem and give you space to breathe when needed.
Run Dem has provided family for people in need of community and structure for those in chaos. Knowing there are people who are looking forward to seeing you, who will run with you rain or shine can be a powerful magnet for making it through the day and waking up to face tomorrow. London can be a lonely city and I’m proud that I’ve managed to build and nurture a community where everyone feels welcome.
In 2023, you were awarded an MBE for services to running and young people, and you’ve since been recognised academically receiving an honorary doctorate from London South Bank University as well. What does this recognition mean to you?
It’s nice to be recognised for this type of work and the MBE was definitely unexpected. I consider the titles to be keys that open doors to have conversations with people I’m not supposed to be in the same room with. People in certain circles seem to be more open to conversations when there are letters after your name. Ultimately, I accepted it as a tribute to all of the hard work and sacrifices my mother has made to give me a better chance in life. Hearing the pride in her voice made all of the noise online that came with accepting worthwhile.
As your work and influence continue to grow and reach new people, what feels most important for the future?
The most important thing has never changed and that’s to pass the knowledge onto people in my communities and empower them with the confidence, wisdom and insights needed to become future leaders. As long as my curiosity is sparked I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.
And finally… Where is your SOMEWHERE GOOD?
An undiscovered record shop, a turntable and a stack of records and an hour of undisturbed time will always be heavenly.
Credits.
Ollie Trenchard
Words. Mick Wilson
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