Charlotteans are running 2.23 miles for Ahmaud Arbery, killed while jogging in Georgia
Update: On the evening of Thursday, May 7, Gregory McMichael, a former Georgia police officer, and his son Travis McMichael were arrested in the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery. They have been charged with murder and aggravated assault.
He was a son. A brother. A friend. He had an infectious smile and loved to bring a smile to those around him by telling jokes. He loved his family and always made sure they knew it. He was a high school graduate and former football star that chose running as his means of staying in shape, even after those football dreams diminished.
His name was Ahmaud Arbery.
On Feb. 23, 25-year old Arbery set out on what friends and family say was his normal routine. A jog through his Brunswick, Georgia, neighborhood to clear his head and to help him stay in shape. I can imagine that on that day, like most runners, Arbery mentally pumped himself up and queued up his favorite playlist before lacing up his favorite running shoes.
He may have done a quick stretch and hydrated before heading out to do what many of us would consider a routine activity. I imagine Arbery starting out with an easy pace to get his breathing and stride just right. I imagine him tuning out the noise of the world and getting lost in the music or his personal thoughts as he pushed the pavement, step-by-step. I see him setting a goal to reach during his run, whether it was a certain pace or a certain number of miles. Either way, he was simply doing an everyday thing.
Sadly, Arbery never completed that run. He was followed by two men in a truck, approached, and ultimately shot to death.
Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed for simply doing an everyday thing, running. Let me rephrase: Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed for simply running while black.
Nearly two months later, Arbery’s story has begun to pick up traction after news that the Brunswick County District Attorney’s office had yet to bring charges against the men accused of killing him. This week, a graphic video was released showing the final moments of the young man’s life.
A website has been created, with a petition asking for signatures offering support to those seeking justice. After the video went viral, a Georgia prosecutor recommended the case be seen by a grand jury. The hashtag #IRunWithMaud has been shared thousands of times across social media, as well as by celebrities including LeBron James.
Jason Vaughn, Arbery’s high school football coach, put out a call for supporters to honor the young man by going on their own 2.23 mile on Friday, May 8. The 2.23 miles represents the day that Arbery tragically lost his life (Feb. 23), and May 8 would have been his 26th birthday. For those who choose to participate, Vaughn has also asked that you post to social media while using the tag #IRunWithMaud.
Charlotte area residents honoring Ahmaud Arbery with 2.23 mile run
People across the country have publicly vowed to answer Vaughn’s call and lace up their shoes for the 2.23 mile journey on Friday. Runners and walkers across the nation will set out to honor the Georgia man’s life, including those here in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Charlotte native LaKeija Jackson plans to take the run solo, something she does regularly around her neighborhood. It is a way for her to personally honor Arbery while showing the significance of him losing his life while doing something that she considers a simple, everyday life activity.
“I want everyone to see how terrifying it is as a black or brown person to just do life,” Jackson told CharlotteFive. “The fact that someone can murder us for simply existing in the skin we were born in is beyond comprehension.”
Like Arbery, running is an outlet for Jackson and a way for her to get in some alone time. But now, it has also become a reminder that it could lead to her death at the hands of someone who may not see the value in her life as a black person.
Charlotte resident Davida Jackson shares similar sentiments and also plans to run solo. She is choosing to participate as a way to exercise her right not only as a black person, but as an American citizen.
“Ahmaud Arbery had a right,” Davida Jackson said. “Trayvon Martin had a right. We are no longer living under slave codes where we have to show freedom papers to exercise our rights. I’m running in solidarity with others in his memory and to exercise my right.”
The national run group, Black Girls Run, which has a Charlotte chapter, posted to Facebook encouraging members to take the 2.23 mile run tomorrow as well.
Group walk in Rock Hill
For Rock Hill native Beth Wilson, what started out as a post on social media asking people to join her in honoring Arbery has now turned into an organized walk leaving from the city’s Fountain Park. Over 70 people have committed to joining Wilson tomorrow at 6 p.m. to take the 2.23 journey. Those wanting to join Wilson will head from Fountain Park toward Winthrop University, then on to the YMCA branch on Charlotte Avenue.
Of course, with the COVID-19 pandemic going on, it may be wise to consider social distancing logistics if you’re interested in joining the group walk. Wilson told us that some residents are choosing to stay in their own neighborhoods to complete the walk or run there. Those joining the group from Fountain Park are also able to walk, run, or even bike at their own pace to ensure social distancing safety.
“I was just sharing the post I saw asking people to walk or run in his honor,” Wilson said. “I didn’t expect that it would take off like it did. I have sorority members, students, and people from my bike club joining tomorrow.”
If you want to join the Rock Hill group, Wilson says you can just show up. She urged parents to also bring their children in hopes that the walk will also serve as a teachable moment.
“This can be a teachable moment for everyone. Not just those that are black. It shows just how important being aware at all times can be.”
This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 2:55 PM.
