75-year-old woman walks through Paxton on 750-mile mission
PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — One 75-year old Chicago woman made her way through Paxton on Tuesday while walking more than 750 miles south in an effort to bring awareness to racism.
Rachelle Zola is a storyteller activist. She has been walking town-to-town from Chicago en route to Montgomery, Alabama, walking about 10 miles a day since April 2.
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When she stops at towns, Zola shares stories of racism and privilege she’s learned from others along the road. She does this through a theatrical performance and discussion.
“That’s what I’m hoping that this will be, that people can see,” Zola said. “They can go into this school and say, ‘What’s the curriculum?’ Go to the police department and say, ‘How are you treating when a Black person comes through in an all-white community?’ I want them to ask questions of themselves. That’s really what I’m looking for: a curiosity.”
Zola will make her way to Champaign this Friday. She is still looking for a spot to host her performance.
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