These teens are holding a 'Race For Justice' in honor of Breonna Taylor. Here's why

Genesis Malone, Louisville Courier Journal
·3 min read
Nearly 100 protesters marched through downtown Louisville on the second anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. March 13, 2022
Nearly 100 protesters marched through downtown Louisville on the second anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. March 13, 2022

The Future Ancestors, a student-led group created by Waggener High School students, will host the "Race for Justice," a team relay race geared toward the continued need for justice for Breonna Taylor.

The students created the race as a way to respond to injustices they have seen and experienced in the community due to gun violence and police brutality. The goal is to bring the community together to work toward intersectional justice in Louisville.

The inaugural Race for Justice is hosted alongside the Louisville Urban League and will take place at the Norton Sports and Learning Center, 3029 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, on June 18. The group has a goal of 2,000 registrations, including virtual registrations.

“After two years of trauma and unrest in our community, to see young people responding to the issues of today with such thoughtful and meaningful actions is remarkable.” Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, said.

The relay includes a total of 26 laps (10K) or 1.3 mile (5 lap) run/walk around the track at the Norton Sports and Learning Center. The total laps is a dedication to each year of Taylor's life. Taylor, a 26-year-old African American emergency technician was shot and killed by the Louisville Metro Police Department on March 13, 2020. Her death created national and local protests and pleads from political leaders, civil rights activists and celebrities.

Future Ancestors is a student-led social justice group focused on the issues surrounding the African American community, the LGBTQ+ community and ableism, has raised over $40,000 in sponsorships and donations to help make the race happen. These sponsorships and donations include support from the six non-profit organizations assisting the Future Ancestors in the race, Americana World Community Center, La Casita Center, Louisville Bail Project, Mattingly Edge, Queer Kentucky and Roots 101.

“This event is more than a project,” Nubia Ali, the executive director of the Future Ancestors said. “It is going to unite and educate our community, as well as ones near and far as to what it looks like when justice is received.”

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And for many, the issue hits close to home.

"Seeing another Black woman getting killed in a shooting that could've been around the corner from us, made us terrified." Armelle Bondonga, a member of the Future Ancestors told the Courier Journal. "We didn't want to do another social media post, we wanted to go out and create something that will actually promote change and push for a change."

Nearly 100 protesters marched through downtown Louisville on the second anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. March 13, 2022
Nearly 100 protesters marched through downtown Louisville on the second anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. March 13, 2022

After the race, Future Ancestors will host an indoor event including entertainment, guest speakers, and booths to further engage participants in social justice work and give the community a chance to come together and experience one of the city's premier venues.

"There will be artwork made and featured on Breonna Taylor, we have a lot of different art coming from Western High School and several other places, about Breonna and the tragedy that took place in March of 2020, and food trucks will be in attendance as well," Ali said.

Participants can register for the race at runsignup.com. Registration ends on June 18 and prices will increase beginning June 15.

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Reach Features reporter Genesis Malone at gmalone@gannett.com.

The Race for Justice

WHAT: A team relay of 26 total laps around the track at the Norton Sports and Learning Center. One lap dedicated to each year of Breonna Taylor’s life. Individuals can also register for a 1.3 mile (5 lap) lap run/walk. Virtual registrations are also available.

WHERE: Norton Sports and Learning Center, 3029 W Muhammad Ali Blvd.

WHEN: June 18, 8 a.m.to 2 p.m.

COST: $30-$100

MORE INFORMATION: runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/RaceForJustice502

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Waggener High students create race for Breonna Taylor