The Penn Relays have officially begun at the University of Pennsylvania—my alma mater—and once again, the historic Franklin Field is alive with the spirit of one of the oldest and most prestigious track and field events in the Americas. Hosted annually by Penn Athletics, the Relays are more than just a sporting event—they are a cultural moment, especially for the Caribbean diaspora.

You simply cannot mention the Penn Relays without mentioning Jamaica in the same breath. Jamaicans have long been dominant and enthusiastic participants, from high school standouts to collegiate champions. The relays serve as a proving ground for emerging talent and a showcase of track royalty.

I remember one year when I had the privilege to volunteer at the games. It was a moment I’ll never forget—I met the likes of Bill Cosby, the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (Jamaica’s first woman Prime Minister), and track legends such as Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The electric atmosphere, the sound of cheering crowds, and the buzz around potential stars from across the U.S. and Caribbean left an indelible mark on me.

Yet, something feels different this year. While the 2025 Penn Relays have kicked off with their usual modest energy, there’s a noticeable lack of media coverage and buzz. Surprisingly, many locals in Philadelphia I spoke to either weren’t aware the Penn Relays were happening or didn’t know what the event was at all. This is a stark contrast to years past, when the city would buzz with anticipation and pride.

Still, the Caribbean diaspora and college track athletes from around the country are already making their way to the city, bringing with them a growing excitement that’s starting to creep in. Although mainstream media has yet to fully engage, the passion of the people remains. A quick keyword search or hashtag scroll for “Penn Relays 2025” yields only a handful of results—disappointing for such a historic event.

We remain hopeful that as the week unfolds, coverage will swell and the attention this event deserves will return. In these turbulent and uncertain times, we need events like the Penn Relays. They offer catharsis and community—a moment to celebrate excellence, heritage, and unity.

Between the NBA playoffs and the Penn Relays, there’s a lot to look forward to this week. Stay tuned—The Neoliberal Round and our YouTube channel may bring you interviews, event highlights, and the heartbeat of the city and its athletes as the games progress.

Until then,

Renaldo C. McKenzie
The Neoliberal

Renaldo McKenzie is Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance, President of the Neoliberal Corporation, The Neoliberal, and Creator and Host of The Neoliberal Round Podcast and YouTube Channel.

Renaldo is also a two-time graduate of The University of Pennsylvania and currently a Professor at Jamaica Theological Seminary and a Georgetown Liberal Studies Fellow.

The Neoliberal Round YouTube channel will be present to capture some of the games live. Subscribe

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First published in The Neoliberal Journals at The Neoliberal Corporation Moral Magazine website:

https://theneoliberal.com/the-penn-relays-begin-at-penn-a-tradition-rooted-in-speed-culture-and-diaspora-pride/

The Penn Relays Begin at Penn: A Tradition Rooted in Speed, Culture, and Diaspora Pride
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Question: Who won the trade war between between China and The USA? On this episode of The Neoliberal Round Podcast Podcast, Host Renaldo discusses Trump's reversal on Fed Chairman Powell, and the trade war with China. Renaldo also applauded the Trump's administration on their record on making the IRS efficient as under Trump the department has been the most efficient in disbursing tax refunds.

At the end of the Show we share two trailer episodes of an episode where Author Renaldo discusses his book and some concepts that speaks to the wider geopolitical issues related to globalization and the trade war and immigration. This is the 4-year anniversary of The Neoliberal Corporation and the book "Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance", available at The Neoliberal Store https://store.thenoliberal.com

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Jesus Said; "Father forgive them for they know not what they have done," (KJV, St. Luke 23:34). This Easter, we present a re-make of several videos we mashed together to present our Easter production. It is quite powerful and inspirational as we re-did a reflection by Rev. Renaldo McKenzie and included performances with him at Easter to present a dynamic show that will help to facilitate worship and reflection. May we remember the #sacrificeandlove #Christ demonstrated that has defined the #characterofGod; humility, sacrifice and compassion for all—especially for the poor and vulnerable that #God became low to lift them up. Is that what true leadership is?As we reflect on Easter, I mashed together various short videos to provide this dynamic Easter podcast production. As we serve the world today to solve tomorrow's challenges, making popular what was the monopoly, it is important that we provide programming that is part of the solution. As such we understand that conditioning the human conscience with content that considers inspirational matters by celebrating our faith experience may help to rescues humanity and the wonton secularism that pervades. Not that we are against liberalism and secularism, but we believe that the marriage is important to keep us from destroying ourselves. The message of the cross is powerful and may help to heal a broken society devolving into decadence and social decay. May we remember the story of Jesus and his crucifixion.I provide several performances beginning with a group performance at Old First Reformed Church in Philadelphia, "The Reason We Sing."Then the Reflections by Rev. Renaldo McKenzie on Forgiveness reading from St. Luke 23:24 of the Christian Bible.We then wrap up with three performances:Donte and Renaldo using HER music,Renaldo and Ricardo on NYC train, How Great is Our God andRenaldo and Nate sing, Falling in Love with Jesus.Subscribe for free on any streaming service and donate to us at https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal.Visit us at renaldocmckenzie.com or theneoliberal.comThe Neoliberal Round by Renaldo McKenzie, from The Neoliberal Corporation, Serving the world today to solve tomorrow's challenges, by making popular wat was the monopoly.Email us: info@theneoliberal.com, submissions@theneoliberal.com, renaldocmckenzie @gmail.com Call Us: 1-445-260-9198Donate to us: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=USSJLFU2HRVAQ