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. I am WALKING the 5k in the Evanston YWCA Race Against Hate for the first time this year and am walking in honor of my dad and the love he held in his heart his entire life in the face of hate, so unabashedly, so matter-of-factly and seemingly, so effortlessly. I am walking along side and for WCAS staff who are unable to participate this year. Your contribution in any amount, every dollar and every penny towards supporting these efforts to create hate-free, hate-healing spaces is essential to uplifting our humanity. Please continue to give even after the goal is reached - the event is now this Saturday.