Our Story

Being Courtney is an amazing journey that is not defined by the preconceived notions that are common in society.

From an early age, through school and beyond Courtney was blazing trails her community, now she is ready to take on the world, one move at a time.

Courtney was the first person of color, with Down syndrome, to walk the runway in the history of the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe Franchise.

She was the reigning Oklahoma Miss Amazing Teen in 2023 and Oklahoma Miss Amazing in 2023 and 2025.

Courtney is the first person of color, with Down syndrome, to have the leading role is a scripted film production for the short film, I Can Do All Things, produced by the Just 4 Us Foundation and Andree Harris.. The film was Coach Award nominated and received may positive reviews.

https://youtu.be/B0C13kgcb7s?si=NGJTbMzkWGoq-3vT (courtesy of the Just4 Us Foundation)

The Down syndrome Information Act, AKA was signed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and became Courtney's Law in Oklahoma with the assistance and guidance of the National Down syndrome Society.

THE "why" BEHIND 21- MINUTES 2FITNESS?

Courtney was active all through school. When school ended, the activity decreased. When most children go into adulthood, the activity increases. They begin their life journeys and become less dependent on their parents and guardians (caregivers). When a loved one with a different ability ages out of services at age 21, many caregivers enter uncharted water.

The school system is a life line for many families in terms of having a safe space for their loved ones to learn and providing a safe way to socialize with peers. Individuals with different abilities in some ways become more dependent on their caregivers.

Due to the decrease in activity, there is almost always a significant increase in weight. This became very obvious with Courtney. We wanted to find a way to combat with weight gain and inactivity.

Courtney loves to watch YouTube videos and dance, she also loves the camera and the spotlight. (She is an aspiring actress with the desire to appear to any version of 911, Beyond The Gates or Boston Blue, just as a side note)

We decided to incorporate her desire to act and be in front of the camera with a dance/exercise/movement brand she could call her own.

The name Tri-21 Minutes 2Fitness was born of the medical term for the most common Trisomy, Trisomy 21. The 21st chromosome is triplicated.

The mission is simple, move 21 minutes per day, 3 days per week minimum.

Courtney, with the help of some of her closest friends, 21 Squad, will make movement fun!

Episode 1 of the series will premier September 15th on YouTube. Episodes will be made thought-out the year, along with video shorts and tips.

We want to spread the enthusiasm and get EVERYONE moving!

WE COULDN'T DO THIS ALONE

Tri-21 Minutes 2Fitness could not do what we are doing without the hand of God via the teaching and leadership of our Bishop, Gregory B, Benjamin of the Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, along with the ministers and family of that house.

The Down syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma has been a tremendous support, along with the Supporting Minorities Disabilities Coalition under Oklahoma Sooner Success.

Friendly Bees and Michaela Bishop help strengthen the voices of individuals with different abilities, thank you.

Family, friends, people who were there for a season, those who are here for all seasons, thank you.

Courtney on Capital Hill with Oklahoma Senator James Lankford and members of the Down syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma.

We all love Snoop,and Snoop loves Courtney!

Working at Swadleys Bar-Be-Cue.

Supporting Minorities with Disabilities Coalition, under Oklahoma Sooner Success, reciting "Still I Rise" for Black History Month.

Actresses Deonna Cattledge and Skye Dakota Turner at the Film Makers Ranch in Spencer, Oklahoma.

Courtesy of the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the legend, Quincy Jones.

At the Garden in NYC Choctaw 4H Club

HISTORIC! The first male of color to co-lead in a scripted film project for the NAACP nominated, The Color Book, Jeremiah Daniels, and the female of color with Down syndrome to co-lead in scripted project for acclaimed film project, I Can Do All Things.

Together at the National Down syndrome Congress (NDSC) convention.