I am running this year in honor of the father figures in my life, ancestors and those still with us. Samuel Leary, my father. Bobby Johnson, my step-father, and Papa Emmanuel Nyadroh a close family friend. I am also running in honor of my lifelong mentor and father figure Kenneth Rodgers who continues to build me up and offer words of encouragement. May God bless the fathers. Now in its 25th year, the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate is the largest social justice run/walk event of its kind in the nation. Every year, thousands of people from all over Chicagoland and the country come together to honor the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong and to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. All proceeds from the Race support YWCA Evanston/North Shore's mission, including their violence prevention and racial equity programs.