Friday, June 19, 2020

Make strides toward racial justice from where you are


Clock your walking, running or cycling miles to make a difference
 The diversity of backgrounds, colors and lifestyles is what defines the human race and when individuals are targeted, injured and killed because of the color of their skin, it really does feel like an apocalypse. It feels like something is deeply, horribly amiss. How can this be happening in 2020 in America? How can existence in what is supposed to be one of the world’s most progressive countries be so vastly different for some people than it is for others?
The appalling killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery dismantle not only the nation but the very essence of humanity. Racial injustices of some level strike every day in every community. In idyllic Colorado mountain towns, populated and visited mostly by white people, it’s easy to turn a blind eye. It’s easy to feel there is not much one can do to make a difference. If only running or pedaling up a mountain could help. Thanks to the Civil Rights Race Series, it can. 
The Civil Rights Race Series conducts running and cycling competitions in historic locations in Alabama and Tennessee with the goal of educating the public on events that took place there and how they were instrumental in driving change during the civil rights movement. In response to the recent turmoil and these senseless deaths, the Civil Rights Race Series is hosting 1 Million Miles for Justice, a virtual event in which anyone, anywhere can make strides toward racial equality. Wherever you are, your weekly jog, your daily walk around the block, your hike, your bike ride can play a positive part in providing equal opportunities and paving the road toward a better life for someone whose every day experience doesn’t consist of the qualities many of us take for granted, for someone whose every day experience feels far from equal and never feels safe. 
Registration for the event is $25 and you can choose to walk, run or ride however many miles you want. Nearly all proceeds benefit the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Here’s a chance to make that positive experience – those positive strides – go even farther.