The Twin City Track Club participated in a virtual race with the goal of covering 619 miles to celebrate Juneteenth (6.19.2020). This challenge was promoted through our social media platforms to recruit participants that included TCTC members and all running partners in our community. The free virtual race accepted donations to recognize the meaning of the day and support the Winston-Salem Urban League.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery 155 years ago in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
This year, Juneteenth is an especially meaningful day, reminding us of the continued struggle in the African American community for equal opportunity and treatment. As runners, we seek to celebrate freedom and inclusiveness by running as one community to achieve a common goal.
The event was a complete success with 142 participants blowing past the mileage goal, reaching 884 miles. Then runners showed out even more impressively raising $4,286 for the Winston-Salem Urban League. In the accompanying photo, Chris Tuohy, TCTC’s president, delivers the contribution check to the Urban League’s COO, Kenneth Pettigrew.