He Just Wanted to Run – Annual Run for Ahmaud Arbery

Honoring Ahmaud Arbery: Hundreds Gather for Annual 2.23-Mile Run in Atlanta, showing solidarity and support for his family, while promoting mental wellness for Black boys through The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.

Atlanta, GA – February 28, 2023

On Ahmaud Arbery Day, Thursday, February 23, 2023, the air was thick with the threat of a heavy downpour.  The air was thick with anger and disgust.  The air was thick with hope.  The air was thick with solidarity.  The air was thick with love and support.

Ahmaud Arbery was murdered by the father-son team, Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael on February 23, 2020, in Glynn County, near Brunswick, Georgia.  Before being murdered, Mr. Arbery was pursued by the McMichael duo in their truck.  In a second truck, the McMichael’s neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan trailed the McMichael’s and Ahmaud was eventually cornered by the trucks. After a brief encounter, Ahmaud was shot and killed by Travis McMichael.  The neighbor, Mr. Bryan used his cell phone to record the encounter and eventual killing by the McMichael team.  All three white men were convicted in state court on multiple murder counts.  Ahmaud Arbery was Black. Later the three men were convicted in Federal court of a hate crime and other charges.  They are currently serving time in prison.

The runners gather before the start of the run

The running community came together for the second year to honor Ahmaud Arbery and show love, support, and solidarity with Ahmaud’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones and her family.  Hundreds of runners showed up for the now-annual event. In addition to the individuals who came out to participate and show love and support, there were several organizations and running groups including but not limited to South Fulton Running Partners (SFRP), Lace Up Fitness (LUF), Movers & Pacers, Running Nerds and Black Men Run (BMR).  The 2.23-mile run started and ended at the Atlanta Beltline West End Trail.

Ahmaud’s mother, Wanda Cooper Jones expresses her gratitude to the runners before the start

Why did they come and what did they say about Ahmaud Arbery…

Sandra Scott, State Representative District 76 – “Here to show support for Ahmaud Arbery’s family”

Cynthia Barren (SFRP) – “Any one of us could have been Ahmaud Arbery.  We are here to show support for the family to let them know that Ahmaud will not be forgotten.  The turnout this year is more than double that of last year.  We intend for turnout to be an even larger next year.” 

Alta U. – “What happened to Ahmaud could have happened to anyone of us while we are out for a jog.”

Big Mike (SFRP) – “In this tragic loss of life of Ahmaud Arbery, his mother Wanda Cooper-Jones has gained an entire community that will forever keep the memory of Ahmaud Arbery alive.”

Terry Gresham (BMR) – “I have been running for 10 years and it could have been me.  We run through all kinds of neighborhoods.  It’s great to see everyone come together singly focused on one cause to support the family of Ahmaud Arbery.  He Just Wanted to Run.”

Eleanor Ross – “I would like to see the turnout even larger, I would like to see and hear more about safety.”

Patrick Jefferson (LUF) – “We are here for Ahmaud.”

Bity – “I love and respect the Arbery family.”

Michelle Escobar – (From Michigan) – “I am in Atlanta for a short visit – I heard about the Run for Ahmaud Arbery – I just had to come to participate.”

Eleanor Ross, Bobby Sassberry, and Venita Bell Shaw
found cover under an umbrella during brief rain shower.

Ayesha Martin (Adidas Brand Purpose & Social Impact Program, Communications & Strategy Lead) – “Adidas has been a strong supporter of The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation since its inception. I am here representing Adidas to continue that support.”

Before the start of the run, Ahmaud’s mother came to the microphone to thank the runners for coming out and honoring her son. While her comments were brief, the pain of the loss still rings loud and poignantly in her voice.

Even though there was a brief rain shower during the presentations made before the start of the run, there were no signs of any dampened spirits. The crowd was asked to say his name. You could hear the sound harmonious uplifted voices as they chanted – “Ahmaud Arbery.”

In 2022 Georgia lawmakers declared February 23rd Ahmaud Arbery Day to honor him. 

Ahmaud’s mother has further endeavored to honor her son by founding The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation.  The Foundation’s mission is Empowering, serving and affirming Black boys on the journey towards mental wellness. 

According to the foundation’s website, Ms. Jones states “I am grateful to honor my son by creating a safe space for Black boys and their families to align their inner strength with the resources we provide through this foundation to help usher them on their journey towards mental wellness”

(https://www.ahmaudarberyfoundation.org/). 

For more information about some of the participating groups, please visit their websites.

South Fulton Running Partners – http://sfrp.club/

Lace Up Fitness – https://www.facebook.com/laceupfitnesstraining

Black Men Run – https://blackmenrun.com/blackmenrun-chapters/atlanta-runs-2/

Running Nerds – https://runsocialatlanta.com

Movers & Pacers – https://runningcrews.com/crews/movers-and-pacers/

He just wanted to run…

My Reps at the Gold Dome

Meet Your Representatives: A Personal Account of Visiting State Representative Imani Barnes and State Senator Kim Jackson, Advocates for Georgia’s Youth and Communities.

By Milton Kirby

On Tuesday, February 21st, I had the opportunity to meet State Representative Imani Barnes and State Senator Kim Jackson.  Both of which represent me and my neighbors under the Gold Dome. 

While Representative Barnes and Senator Jackson had full calendars, we managed to get both meetings scheduled on the same day after a series of email exchanges.

The 2023 session of the Georgia General Assembly started January 9th and runs through March 30th for a total of 40 days.  On the day of my visit, we were just past the halfway point through the session at Legislative day 21.  The 28th day of the session is Crossover Day.  For the 2023 session, March 6, 2023 is crossover day.  Crossover Day is the deadline for a bill to pass out of either of the legislative chambers.  If it fails to do so, the bill can no longer be considered during the current session. Representative Barnes is a professional biomedical research scientist with more than twenty years of experience, and she is currently a Public Health Ph.D. candidate.  She is a lifetime resident of DeKalb County with an 11-year-old son.  She earned a BS in biology and chemistry from HBCU South Carolina State University and an MS degree in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health from Emory University where she is also employed.

Imani Barnes Georgia State House of Representatives District 86

Representative Barnes started a small business called I Can Become Anything, LLC (I.C.B.A.). I.C.B.A. is a teen development and inspiration company that works with teens from 13 to 18 years old.  According to the company’s website, it focuses on uplifting our next generation through different developmental activities, peer group sessions, positive mentors, and community service.  As a scientist, Ms. Barnes has incorporated data-driven models and scholarly research journals to provide solutions to our youth with a long-lasting difference (icanbecomeanything.com).

Senator Jackson was born in Elkins, WV, and grew up near Cowpens, SC.  Ms. Jackson made Georgia her home more than ten years ago. Kim’s Dad served families as a social worker for more than 30 years.  Her Mom, a retired nurse and Professor of Nursing, served as a community nurse for economically disadvantaged families living with Sickle Cell Disease.  Senator Jackson studied at Furman University, graduating in 2006, and later graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a Master of Divinity (M Div).

Upon receiving her M Div she started her vocation as an Episcopal priest.  During ten years of ministry, she served as a college chaplain, a nationally renowned consultant and preacher, a parish priest, and social justice advocate (https://www.kimforgeorgia.com/meet-kim).

During my visit, I was accompanied by my good friend Lula Gilliam, Founder of Youth Enhancement Services, Inc. (YES) of which I have been a board member for nearly 15 years.  The mission of YES is to develop and implement alternative education solutions, effective programs, and practical action strategies for disconnected youth and their families  (www.yesgeoriga.org).

Rep Barnes’ passion for our youth was quite evident within the first five minutes of our meeting.  She serves on the Higher Education, Small Business Development and Technology, and Infrastructure Innovation Committees. 

Not all freshmen hit the ground running like Rep Barnes.  She has already taken deep dives into issues that affect children in the state of Georgia.  Indeed she has drafted legislation to help ensure the success of all Georgia children by proposing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students in the state.

There is no doubt that this freshman will have an impactful, dedicated, and strong voice for my fellow constituents.

According to BallorPeidia Georgia House of Representative District 86 (https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_House_of_Representatives_District_86) has a population of 58,735.  The median household income is $55,439 with a high school graduation rate of 86.4%. Included in the district are parts of Tucker, Clarkson, Stonecrest, Lithonia, and Stone Mountain, where I reside.

Georgia State Senator Kim Jackson District 41

As Senator Jackson spoke about children, I could see a slight change in her eyes.  I didn’t see tears but there was no doubt in my mind that she wants to see better happen for Georgia’s kids.

Senator Jackson’s committee assignments include; Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Children and Families, Health and Human Services, and Public Safety.

 According to BallorPeidia Georgia Senate District 41 has a population of 196,140.  The median household income is $52,429 with a high school graduation rate of 83.0% (https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_State_Senate_District_41).

My visit to my representatives was enlightening and humbling.  They both embody what I believe are the core values and principles that are foundational to strong and productive communities. I encourage all of our readers to get to know your representatives and hold them accountable for serving your communities and delivering on the promises of making life better for those that they serve.

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