The 2019 “Race Against Racism.” Image courtesy of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg.
Throughout the past year, many people have marched to bring awareness to racial inequalities.
The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg hopes a run will do the same.
For the 17th year, the local YWCA kicked off its “Race Against Racism” this week, a 5K event to support the organization’s racial justice programming, accompanied this year with an educational piece for runners.
The “21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge” will provide registrants with daily educational experiences leading up to the race on April 24, which will be virtual due to the pandemic.
“Participation in an activity like our new 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge helps us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination,” said YWCA Greater Harrisburg CEO Mary Quinn. “We’re so excited to launch this opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social injustice issues with our community.”
Event coordinators are sending out articles, podcasts, videos and other educational tools on racial justice.
Quinn said that she saw a heightened awareness for social justice in the community this past year which inspired the event.
“People have a desire to have conversations about racial equality, but don’t know where to begin,” she said.
According to YWCA officials, individuals or groups will complete the 5K on their own time, running or walking wherever is convenient for them. Participants can run the race anytime between April 5 to 24, but YWCA is encouraging everyone to run on the 24th as a united front.
Additionally, a kids fun run will be held virtually.
Participants are encouraged to post about their experiences on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and tag the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, using the hashtags #RARHBG and #VirtualRace.
Since the first year of the race, PSECU has been the primary sponsor of the event.
“We support the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” said PSECU President and CEO George Rudolph.
Around 600 people are registered for the 21-Day Challenge and community members can still sign up, Quinn said.
The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, located on Market Street, has programs to assist the community with housing, violence intervention, economic development, veterans’ services and legal services, among others.
To register for the “Race Against Racism” and the “21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge,” click here. For more information on the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, visit their website.
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