FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago, IL | May 20, 2024 — Now in its 25th year, the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate, the largest social justice run/walk event of its kind in the nation, brings together thousands of people from all over Chicagoland and the country to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. Taking place on Father’s Day (June 16, 2024) at the Floyd Long Field in Evanston, Ill., the annual race honors the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern University Basketball Coach, Vice President of Affairs at AON Corporation, and Skokie resident who was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999 while walking in his neighborhood with two of his young children. Because of Ricky’s lifelong love of sports and his compelling work with young people in the community, the Race Against Hate was launched by his family and friends in 2000 (and entrusted to YWCA Evanston/North Shore in 2007) to honor his legacy and bring attention to the need to combat hatred in all its forms.

“We are at a crucial point as a nation where fighting hate and racism is more important than ever,” says Cherese R. Ledet, President and CEO, YWCA Evanston/North Shore. “It starts with recognizing our country’s long history with racism and its impact on our systems, structures, and institutions. If we want a just and peaceful society, it is our mutual responsibility to address racism head on. In addition to bringing people together to stand in solidarity against racial injustice, violence and hate, the 25th Annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate is an amazing opportunity for parents to be consistent about teaching their children about kindness and shared humanity, not to mention a wellness-forward community event for health and sports enthusiasts, and a fun day outdoors that the whole family can enjoy.”

Proceeds from the Race Against Hate are used to further the mission of YWCA Evanston/North Shore, in particular its efforts in the areas of racial justice and violence prevention. With this funding, YWCA assists children in Chicagoland schools and local youth organizations to challenge their own prejudices and foster healthy, violence-free relationships among their peers; supports teenagers in examining their own relationships and practicing constructive ways to handle conflict and differences; and encourages adults to engage in constructive dialogue, interactive activities and meaningful action as related to racial justice. Other YWCA programs supported by Race proceeds, centered in violence prevention and racial equity, include 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training, 1-Hour Domestic Violence Training for Salon Professionals, Comprehensive Sex Education, the Alternatives to Violence 26-week program for those who cause harm, and Racial Equity Training and workshops.

"One of Ricky’s favorite quotes, that he patterned his life after, and tried to instill in his family, friends and players was, ‘The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. We have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it,’ shared Sherialyn Byrdsong, Ricky’s wife. “This Race Against Hate is our 90 percent. We have responded to his death in a way that would make him proud."

REGISTER TODAY!

The 25th Annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate takes place on Sunday, June 16th — on Father’s Day! — at Floyd Long Field in Evanston (2436 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL 60208). The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and there are two chip-timed runs (10K and 5K), along with a non-timed 5K walk and youth mile/half mile fun run to accommodate all ages and skill levels. In addition to the fast, flat, and scenic race course, the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate also features on-field refreshments, snacks, music, technical T-shirts in women's and unisex cuts, give-away bags, and awards, making it a fun day for the whole family! (Link to registration HERE)

MAKE A DONATION or FUNDRAISE!

This year’s fundraising goal is $40,000, and there are a lot of fun ways to get in on the action. For starters, anyone can make a donation directly on the Race Against Hate website (link to donate HERE). And if you register to run on July 16th, 2024, you can fundraise for YWCA and win cool prizes! Raise $150 or more over your registration fee and get a canvas weekender duffel. Raise $350 or more over your registration fee and get the bag plus a bungalow beach towel/blanket. (Note: Details on how to set up a fundraising page are provided via email after registering.)

The Race Against Hate is CARA Certified and has committed to following the CARA Best Practices Guidelines — a high set of standards for quality, safe, and operationally sound races.

For additional details or assets, to schedule an interview, and/or to request media passes to the race, please contact:

Jessica Gillespie

jessica@theprhandler.com

630-988-6007

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About YWCA Evanston/North Shore: YWCA Evanston/North Shore, established in 1931, is a nonprofit social justice organization that works to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, and strengthen local communities. It serves more than 8,000 people annually in northern Cook County through its Domestic Violence, Equity Institute, Economic Advancement, and Flying Fish Aquatics programs. Learn more at www.ywca-ens.org.