Whether you were chosen first or last for the team in elementary school P.E., you are our first pick! Make It Better invites you to join our team as we Race Against Hate on Sunday, June 21, 2015 in Evanston.
The Race Against Hate was founded in loving memory of Ricky Byrdsong, a Skokie resident who was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999. While walking through his neighborhood with his two youngest children, the shooter struck Ricky with a bullet in the back. He was declared dead just four hours later, leaving behind a wife and three kids.
In the midst of her darkest hour, Ricky’s wife, Sherialyn, decided to take action rather than remain a victim. The Ricky Byrdsong Foundation was the fruit of her strength. Although now dissolved, the foundation’s vision to end the evolving epidemic of hate and violence is carried out through YWCA Evanston/North Shore and the annual Race Against Hate. All proceeds contribute to their programming in the areas of racial justice and violence prevention.
Rest assured, you don’t need to be The Flash or Usain Bolt to participate. The race offers a variety of courses for all ages and levels including a 10K run, a 5K walk/run and a fun youth mile. For those who are the competitive type, prize money will be presented to qualified participants during the awards ceremony.
Besides raising money for a great cause, the race features a long list of perks that make it nearly impossible to say no: on-field refreshments, technical “wicking” t-shirts, giveaway bags, and a fast, flat, scenic route along Lake Michigan. Still not convinced? By registering as a part of Make It Better’s team, your registration fee is waived and you will receive a complimentary Make It Better hat and workout shirt, as well as the chance to get to know our founder, Susan B. Noyes, and other members of our team.
Nonetheless, the greatest incentive of all is the undeniable impact and positive influence the race brings. Those who participate honor Ricky’s legacy and raise awareness of the need to battle hatred in our communities.
If this is a battle you’d like to fight, we invite you to join us. Our 15-person team has 12 open spots left. To register with Make It Better, email info@makeitbetter.net or reach out to us via social media. In the words of Sherialyn Byrdsong, “Together we can turn tragedy into victory.”
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