By: Maria-Paula
In collaboration with the Black History Museum and the Cultural Center of Virginia, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation will, on Sept. 21, host the 3rd edition of Run Richmond 16.19, a cultural run-or-walk event.
The Djimon Hounsou Foundation named after its founder Djimon Hounsou, a two-time Academy Award nominated actor, is a nonprofit based in California whose mission is to Strengthen Africa’s intergenerational identity and self-awareness by reconnecting people of the African diaspora with their history, roots and culture. In addition to creating engaging community experiences that allow people of all ethnicities to experience Black history, community, and culture on an intimate level, the foundation also aims to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking by educating the masses on the causes, stakes, and consequences of the transatlantic slave trade to pave a future of racial healing and reconciliation.
Run Richmond 16.19 will take its participants on a meaningful journey through more than 400 years of Black history, a history they can witness, touch, and feel on a personal level reliving a quote by political activist Marcus Mosiah Garvey that, a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture, is like a tree without roots.
Participants can choose between a 16.19 K Run (10 miles) and a 6.19 K Run/Walk (3.85 miles) as they encounter engaging history signs along the way.
Including an option to download a free mobile app which acts as an outdoor museum guide allowing both the walkers and runners to interact with audio-visual content, the app also automatically sends out educational audio messages narrated by Hounsou as they approach selected points of interest.
Through this immersive experience, attendees acknowledge and learn from their shared history, celebrate Black culture, and take as stand for Unity in Diversity.
“Throughout America’s history, there is no other city that defines the progression of African Americans’ freedom story like Richmond, Virginia. From the expansion of the transatlantic slave trade along the banks of the James River, to the removal of the Confederate monuments, Richmond has become the center of African American culture and history in the United States,” said Shakia Warren, executive director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. “It serves as a reminder of both the struggles and successes of the African American experience. It is a place for celebration, remembrance, and education.”
The evening before the race, a free pre-event, Time to Heal, hosted by Allianz Partners on September 20, 2024 will take place at the Main Street Station from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm. This guided mindfulness practice sets the intentions for the main event through reflection, breath, meditation, and gentle movement.
As the curtains come down on the event, Djimon Hounsou Foundation, in collaboration with partners, will later host a post-race festival at Kanawha Plaza, the finish location. This will include a Black history pop-up exhibit, a living museum, a vendor village, as well as foods and drinks.
Run Richmond 16.19 is sponsored by the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, Virginia Tourism, Virginia Humanities, Allianz Partners, the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, the 400 Years of African American History Commission and Sentara Health Plans.
