Run For Justice Celebrates King Holiday with 4.5 Mile Event in Atlanta

Last November two men set off on a course that would impact them and thousands of others moved by the senseless killing of Michael Brown. As a form of peaceful protest, they embarked on a 540+ mile run from Atlanta, Georgia to Ferguson, Missouri. They met their goal and reached Ferguson, but they have yet to reach the finish line.

As a continuation of their efforts to draw attention to the deadly impact racism can have they are hosting a unity run in Atlanta in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The run will take place at noon January 18, 2015, along the Atlanta Beltline. Participants will gather near the intersection of Boulevard and Freedom Parkway near the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Those who are unable to run are encouraged to show their solidarity by showing up and participating in whatever positive way they can.

For the advocates, running is as close to being free as they’ve felt. Since the Brown verdict and demonstrations, the men have promoted the activity as a coping mechanism to people who have joined them for impromptu runs nationwide. They ran in New York following the Eric Garner incident and they have plans to continue to organize events that create community around civil rights issues.

To sign up, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/run-for-justice-atlanta-tickets-15223433700. Free Run For Justice T-shirts will be given to the first 75 who register online and check in by noon on race day. Donations are not required, but they are encouraged to help defray expenses associated with hosting the event. Minimum contributions of $5 can be made via http://www.TheRunForJustice.org.