Hi :)

My name is Zariyah Black, and I will be serving with the Minneapolis Athletes in Action team at the University of Minnesota. While serving, I will have the opportunity to disciple student-athletes on campus.

A little more about me:

I am originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, and have been blessed to be introduced to Athletes in Action during my time as a student-athlete at the University of Minnesota. When I first arrived, I knew very little about the Lord. I didn’t have a relationship with Him and was living a worldly life. Like many others, I came to college looking for the full “college experience,” but that pursuit only left me feeling empty and lost. I chased after everything the world told me would satisfy—parties, popularity, pleasure—believing I was “living my best life.” But in reality, I wasn’t living at all. I was selfish, hurt, immature, and broken.Looking back, I wish someone had pulled me aside and told me the truth: the path I was on would only lead to more emptiness. Everything changed when I got connected with Athletes in Action. Through this ministry, I was introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the beauty of discipleship. I learned that my life is not my own—it belongs to Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). From that point on, the things that once seemed fulfilling no longer held any weight. They couldn’t satisfy me. Now, I want to be that person for others—the one who walks alongside them, shows them there’s more to life than being a slave to sin, and shares with them the chain-breaking truth of the Gospel.

Why do I feel led to full-time ministry with Athletes in Action? 

Growing up, I always had a dream of “helping people.” I wanted to do something meaningful—something that would change the world. For a long time, I believed the only way to achieve that dream was by becoming a doctor or a lawyer. I dedicated so much time and energy to pursuing those paths.But when I got to college, I was faced with a deeper reality: the world is hurting in ways no profession alone can fix. I began to see the brokenness all around me—on my campus, in my community, and even in my own life. People are lost, hurting, and searching for something more. And in today’s culture, sin is not only normalized—it’s often celebrated. As a former student-athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it is to get swept up in the world—in sports, in chasing things that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to emptiness and destruction. But the Lord rescued me. He gave me a new identity, a new purpose, and a new reason to live. He showed me that He is the One who truly changes lives—and through changed lives, the world is changed. That’s why I believe He’s calling me to serve with Athletes in Action. I’ve seen how spiritually lost college campuses can be and how hard it can be to be a student-athlete. I carry a burden to be a disciple who makes disciples—to walk with others, to point them to the narrow path that leads to life, and to help bring lasting transformation through the Gospel. I want to help people—not just for a moment, but for eternity. I want to change the world by helping others know the One who already has. 

As a member of the Athletes in Action team, I am called to build a community of partners who will stand with me through financial support and prayer. Like all AIA staff, I rely on the ongoing generosity of individuals who believe in the mission of sharing Christ through sport. My role involves inviting others to join this mission by becoming monthly supporters or giving special gifts to help sustain and grow the ministry I’m part of.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support :)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” —Ephesians 2:10