Over the past weeks, there have been multiple news stories about the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black Americans, on women, and on survivors of domestic violence. The critical duality of our mission, eliminating racism and empowering women, is abundantly clear. We need your support now more than ever as we continue to try to meet the needs of women, children, and families in our communities, many of whom are struggling even more during this pandemic.
We are encouraged by the fact that our communities have faced adversity before. The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate was founded to address, respond to, and heal from a terrible tragedy. We have dealt with isolation, fear, grief, and the unknown by creating a community of kindness to promote healing, community and equity. As Sherialyn Byrdsong has said about the Race, “together we are turning tragedy into victory.”
We deeply appreciate your understanding as we adjust this year to a different but equally meaningful and important Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. We are committed to fulfilling our mission, honoring the spirit of the Race, and having as much fun along the way as we can!
Wondering how you can help now? If you've already committed to becoming a race buddy, hero, or champion, then invite your friends to join you in this effort by sending them this link! Additionally, we welcome photos of your Race…in place #RaceAgainstHate and reflections on the meaning of the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate to you and your family.
In the next month, we will be sending out more updates about our virtual events - so stay tuned! Have questions in the meantime? Read our Race Against Hate FAQs here.
Finally, we encourage everyone in our Race Against Hate community to follow the CDC guidelines, practice social distancing, and keep each other safe. And remember, though we cannot join together on June 21 along the Evanston lakefront, we can come together as communities to continue to Race Against Hate…in place. We encourage you to continue your amazing efforts to help us raise much-needed funds to promote healing, equity, and community.