Forward. (DC)

Running the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial the past 7 years, we’ve shared a sacred view of both the beauty and history of our nation’s capital. We have worked to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe community for everyone, but we understand we must be more intentional in improving our space so it is more reflective of our city. We grieve with the Black community over the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee and so many others — and we believe, wholly and unequivocally, that Black Lives Matter. Moving forward, we will strive to foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment while calling out and fighting against the systemic racism and injustice so deeply rooted in our society. We will do this by listening, learning, donating, voting and acting. This effort is going to take a community, one that shows up for one another and that holds each other accountable. We sincerely hope you’ll join us. We love you, DC. 

Below is a list of just a few educational resources (there are many) and organizations to donate to, if you have the means. It is not exhaustive, and we’re always open to recommendations. This is a starting point. 

Next Steps

1) LEARN: 

History of DC:

“Working for more than two centuries to ease the racial sins of the nation’s capital.”
— The Washington Post

“Is it Meridian Hill Park or Malcolm X Park? Your answer is meaningful.”
— The Washington Post

Resources:

“Talking About Race,” National Museum of African American History and Culture

“1619 Project,” The New York Times

“Speaking Up Without Tearing Down,” Teaching Tolerance 

“How to Be an Ally to the Black Running Community,” Runner’s World

“Black Leaders in the Running Community Talk Brands, Mental Health, Safety, and More,” Women’s Running

“Running While Black : A Conversation Around Race With Alison Desir- Activist, Runner and Mother,” Keeping Track podcast

November Project Community:

“Black As Fuck,” by Kayode Adigun (Co-Leader of November Project Baltimore)

“The Talk,” by Kwame Boateng (Co-Leader of November Project Kelowna)

“Inclusivity with DA Dirks & Soumya Palreddy,” November Project The Show

“Lessons Learned on Global Running Day,” November Project Baltimore

“Be The Village,” by Nadim Chin (Co-Leader of November Project Edmonton)

DC Community:

Natasha Cloud, player for the Washington Mystics

Dr. Melanie Adams, Director of the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Lonnie Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution

“The Mystics Have Been at the Forefront of the Protests and Fight for Racial Justice,” Washington City Paper

2) DONATE: 

Local Organizations-

Black Lives Matter DC

ACLU DC

National Organizations-

Equal Justice Initiative

NAACP

3) FOLLOW:

4) REACH OUT: Send us your feedback, thoughts, suggestions about how we can create a more diverse, inclusive, and safe community for all.

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