Meet Coach Ahmed
My name is Said Ahmed, and Roxbury has been my home since I arrived here as a 12-year-old refugee from Somalia. Raised in the Alice Taylor Housing Authority, I attended the Boston Public School system and am proud to call myself a graduate of English High School. I was lucky to be surrounded by many dedicated teachers and coaches who saw something in me and pushed me to excel. It was because of them that I went on to win the national track championship and set speed records that have yet to be beaten in Massachusetts.
With the support of my community and coming off major wins at the national stage, I received a full-ride scholarship to the University of Arkansas where I was a two-time NCAA national champion, seven-time Southeastern Conference champion, and had the honor of serving as Track and Field team captain for two years. After graduating, I signed a contract with Nike Athletics to represent the United States at the international stage. For 6 years I competed in races across the world with Roxbury never far from my heart.
After I retired from my athletic career, I came back home to return the investment poured into me. For over 15 years I worked in the BPS system, taking on many roles from teaching in the classroom, engaging with families, and working with our students struggling with behavioral issues. After school hours, I continued to give our students the same opportunities provided to me. I went on to co-found multiple organizations and programs such as Boston United Track and Cross Country, the only free track program in Boston. Through Boston United I have the privilege to coach youth across Roxbury and Boston, where in my many years of coaching I have mentored thousands.
Alongside my work with youth, I have dedicated myself to higher education. Receiving my Masters from Springfield College, I went on to obtain my Ph.D. in Governance and Development from the United Nations based University of Peace. My time in higher education also brought me to play a role as a lecturer at Harvard University in African and African American Studies. This opportunity allowed me to shape the minds of future leaders and foster critical dialogue on important social issues.
Above all, my most important achievement is my family. I am proud to call myself a husband and father of five children who all call Roxbury home. It is because of them and a commitment to our community that I am running for District 7 - Boston City Council, to fight for housing we can afford, streets we can all feel safe in, and a school system that works for everyone.
