Marathon in Solidarity

Hi everyone! Thank you for taking a step towards confronting the systematic racism that has been reinforced by society for too long. Your donations mean so much to us, but more importantly to those of the Black Community that are directly being negatively affected. We are very aware that donations are just a small step in a much larger issue and that our action does not end here. We will continue to initiate tough conversations and educate ourselves on our whiteness in a desire to learn how to become better allies to the Black Community. 

On Monday, June 15th, at 7am we (Stephanie Skura, Erin Rogerson, Kaylee Hall, Kiley Dustin, Macey McEnaney, and Zach Cohen ) will be walking a marathon (26.2 miles) in solidarity with victims of police brutality and racism. Each mile will be dedicated to a different individual whose life was unjustly cut short because of the color of their skin. We acknowledge that there have been many more than 26 victims, but we also know change must start somewhere, whether big or small. During our marathon, we will remember Claude Reese, Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell, Oscar Grant, Aiyana Jones, Kenneth Chamberlain, Kendric McDade, Trayvon Martin, Eric Gardner, John Crawford III, Dante Parker, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, Jerome Reid, Walter Scott, Sam DuBose, Corey Jones, Terence Crutcher, Jordan Edwards, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Say their names. 

After careful research, we have chosen to donate to the non-profit organization Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation. 

The primary mission of the BMHA is to provide a trusted forum to lead and promote a holistic, culturally relevant approach to the development and maintenance of whole health, mental health programs and services for African Americans and vulnerable communities. If you would like to learn more about this inspiring organization visit: https://blackmentalhealth.com/about-us/ .

 This gofundme page will be open  from 7pm Sunday, June 14th to 12am Tuesday, June 16th. All of the donations raised will be directly sent to the BMHA. We truly appreciate anything you can give and hope that you will continue to actively take a stand against racism, be more aware of your actions or perceptions, and continue to educate yourself on how to be an ally. 

Thank you! 
- Stephanie Skura, Erin Rogerson, Kaylee Hall, Kiley Dustin, Macey McEnaney, and Zach Cohen