YWCA Quad Cities is holding their sixth annual “Race Against Racism” 5K at Schwiebert Park in Rock Island, Illinois. The race will take place on Saturday, September 28th with the award ceremony starting at 9:30 a.m., and the race beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The “Race Against Racism” is an event for families and individuals in the Quad Cities to come together to stand against racism in the community and uplift people from all walks of life. All proceeds from this event will go toward funding the programs and missions of the Quad Cities YWCA.
“Our mission is very simple,” said Deanna Woodall, the special events coordinator for YWCA and the “Race Against Racism” leader. “It’s eliminating racism and empowering women, and we do that through the variety of services and resources we provide.”
The proceeds from this year's race are going toward developing and funding a homeless youth center here in the Quad Cities. YWCA is in the process of repurposing their old building into this shelter. Woodall stresses the importance of this shelter by stating, “There’s not one anywhere near us. It’s over 150 miles away, either in Illinois or Iowa. So, we are in a desperate situation because the last time there was a homeless youth center in the Quad Cities was in 2008.”
People wanting to attend can register up until the day of the event. The race costs $35 per person, and participants will receive a race t-shirt. To sign up, head to ywcaqc.org.
In partnership with IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, YWCA will award their Ambassadors of Change awards. This award recognizes those who are going above and beyond in the community advocating and contributing to racial equality and social justice in the Quad Cities area.
“This year we will be honoring seven individuals,” said Woodall. “It’s a nice, diverse group of individuals on both sides of the river that are just doing what they can to break down the barrier of racism.”
After the 5K, attendees are invited to an after party held at Steve’s Old Time Tap in Rock Island, Illinois to celebrate.
More information about the “Race Against Racism” and YWCA is available at ywcaqc.org.
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