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Run Richmond 16.19 returns for third year of unity, reconciliation, and celebration

The cultural run-walk event takes participants through 400 years of Black history and is put on by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.

Runners are seen moving past the Emancipation and Freedom Monument on Brown's Island.

Runners can choose routes of 6.19 or 16.9K, which pass historic sites across the city.

Photo provided from Hodges Partnership

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The weekend of Sept. 20-21, Run Richmond 16.19 will lead a journey through 400 years of Black history. The walk-run event, now in its third year, is put on by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.

The actor and philanthropist spoke about the central mission of the event at a press conference at the Black History Museum.

“The work I do as an actor is my day job,” Hounsou said. “This is a defining legacy.”

RICtoday_DjimonHounsou_BHMVA_RunRichmond

Djimon Hounsou discussed how his experience working on the film “Amistad” made him reflect further on the African Diaspora.

Photo by RICtoday

The 6.19K and 16.19K distances are designed to take participants through history, tracing the steps of victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and prompting reflections about shared ancestry, systemic racism, and the path towards unity.

The foundation has partnered with the City of Richmond, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, and Sports Backers.

Get involved

The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, starting at 8 a.m. at Kanawha Plaza. Register here.

There will also be a reflective event the evening before the race, on Friday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Time to Heal at Main Street Station will feature speakers, centering and restorative movement, drumming, and a silent procession. Registration is free and there is a $10 suggested donation.

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