Author Talk: We Run 313 and Sebastian Jackson on Black-led Run Clubs

The Author Series Committee at the Detroit Public Library welcomes Joe Robinson and Lance Woods, co-authors with Lynzee Mychael Slappey of (2026, Wayne State University Press). The book dives in to the heart and soul behind the premier run club founded by Joe and Lance: We Run 313.

We Run 313 is a run club and a revolution that reclaims space for Black runners in Detroit's outdoors with power, pride, and purpose. It is a personal mission turned movement for the culture. Like-minded people of all ages, abilities, and economic backgrounds gather to fuel the city's renaissance—from the east side to the west. The personal stories of this community reveal how running together fosters connection, healing, and physical and mental well-being. Once strangers, these friends now support each other in times of difficulty as well as celebration, provide job leads, witness marriages, and volunteer together. The club's joyful resistance re-envisions the relationship between Detroiters and their city for a brighter future for all.

Joining Joe and Lance in conversation is Shop Talk's Sebastian Jackson. Copies of the book will be available for sale from Source Booksellers.

THIS IS NOT A TICKETED EVENT, WHICH MEANS SEATS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. WE RECOMMEND REGISTERING FOR REMINDERS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE IMPORTANT UPDATES ABOUT THIS EVENT.

About Lance and Joe: Lance Woods and Joe Robinson cofounded We Run 313, Detroit's premier run club, in 2019. When they are not conquering World Marathon Majors, Robinson is a community leader/ health advocate, speaker, and run coach, and Woods is a community manager at Renaissance of Hope Community Development Corporation. Find out more at https://www.werun313.com.

About Sebastian: Sebastian Jackson is a dynamic leader, visionary entrepreneur, and community advocate who has spent over a decade redefining the intersection of business, culture, and social impact. Sebastian transformed The Social Club from a single barbershop into a multi-location cultural hub, generating eight figures in lifetime revenue. 
As the creator of Shop Talk, a groundbreaking community engagement platform, Sebastian has featured guests including cultural icons like Jalen Rose and Judge Greg Mathis, with appearances by Big Sean and Senator Gary Peters fostering transformative conversations. His work has garnered national attention, including licensing his IP to a major production company featured on a global platform, and events that have attracted thousands of attendees and millions of viewers. Whether hosting social justice panels at the Super Bowl or curating Forbes 30 Under 30 events, Sebastian's ability to unite voices for meaningful dialogue is unmatched. 
Sebastian’s influence extends into the tech world as a strategic advisor to Squire Technologies, where his insights helped the company scale to over 4,000 barbershops globally and achieve a $750M valuation. As the first Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Rock Ventures, Dan Gilberts family office, he helped entrepreneurs secure over $4.4M in funding for Detroit-based businesses, driving innovation and economic growth in the city. 
 
Most recently, Sebastian co-founded of Saint Martin, a premium, trichology-focused hair care brand that provides high-end solutions tailored to the needs of Black men. By combining science-backed formulations with a commitment to wellness, Saint Martin is setting a new standard in personal care and empowering its customers to live life with confidence. 
Through his journey, Sebastian has remained committed to empowering others. He believes that real change starts by investing in people, building platforms for growth, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Whether he’s leading strategic initiatives, raising venture capital, or hosting conversations that challenge the status quo, Sebastian embodies the spirit of a leader driven by purpose.

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