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 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.

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.”

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 23^rd 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…