Midlothian Friends has invited us to join them in an exciting community-wide event on September 30, which unfortunately takes place on the same day as our fall retreat, September 30. Even if we can’t be there in person, there is another way to help this year – and there may be opportunities to more fully partner with them in future years, such as running/walking with other Friends in the event, staffing a water stop, and volunteering in other capacities.
Run Richmond 16.19 is a run/walk event with the theme of “Unity in Diversity,” and its two courses lead participants through 400+ years of Black History. It is hosted by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, together with the City of Richmond, Richmond’s Black History Museum and Richmond Sports Backers, and has community partners including the Elegba Folklore Society, Richmond Public Schools, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Valentine Museum, and many others.
Midlothian Friends has started a grant fund to reduce fees for low-income runners
through coupon codes. Please spread the word that this is available; they are seeking interested runners, and will fund anyone. Interested runners can contact Carol Rice at 540-603-6419. To support the MFM Grant Fund, you can send contributions to Ann Duncan, MFM Treasurer, via Venmo or check. Designate 1619 Walk/Run on your contribution. Funds raised that are not used towards runners’ fees will be donated to the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.
Visit www.runrichmond1619.org to learn more about the event and its historical route.