The third annual Run Richmond 16.19, the cultural run-or-walk event from the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, is slated for September 21, 2024, in collaboration with the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
This event takes its participants on a meaningful journey through more than 400 years of Black history, a history they can witness, touch, and feel. Runners and walkers can choose between a 16.19 K Run (10 miles) and a 6.19 K Run/Walk (3.85 miles) and will encounter engaging history signs along the way. They can also download a free mobile app which acts as an outdoor museum guide allowing them to interact with audio-visual content. Among other things, this app automatically sends out educational audio messages narrated by Djimon Hounsou as they approach selected points of interest.
Through this immersive experience, attendees acknowledge and learn from their shared history, celebrate Black culture and take a stand for unity in diversity.
Throughout America’s history, there is no other city that defines the progression of African American freedom story like Richmond, Virginia. From the expansion of the transatlantic slave trade along the banks of the James River, to the removal of the Confederate monuments, Richmond has become the center of African American culture and history in the United States. It serves as a reminder of both the struggles and successes of the African American experience. It is a place for celebration, remembrance, and education,” says Shakia Warren, executive director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
Run Richmond 16.19 Event, September 21, Explores Black History, Diversity, and Unity
At the finish location at Kanawha Plaza, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation hosts a post-race festival in collaboration with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and The Love Movement RVA, which includes a live gig by reggae artist Mighty Joshua, a drum circle, electric slide dancing, a Black history pop-up exhibit, a living museum, vendor village, and refreshments.
The evening before the race, Allianz Partners presents Time to Heal, a free pre-event that takes place at Main Street Station from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. This guided mindfulness practice sets the intentions for the main event through reflection, breath, meditation, and gentle movement.
Run Richmond 16.19 Is sponsored by the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, Virginia Tourism, Virginia Humanities, Allianz Partners, the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, the 400 Years of African American History Commission, and Sentara Health Plans.
More About Djimon Hounsou and the Foundation
Djimon Hounsou, two-time Academy Award-nominated actor for his work in Ed Zwick’s BloodDiamond (2006) and Jim Sheridan’s In America (2002), will attend the Richmond event.
“I feel this compelling need to give back to my continent, to my people, and to champion the idea of reconciliation and reconnection.”
Born in Benin, West Africa, Hounsou moved to Paris at the age of thirteen to pursue a Western education. As an adult, he was discovered by designer Thierry Mugler and subsequently, modeled for and appeared in several iconic music videos for Herb Ritts and David Fincher.
On December 2, 2019, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Djimon announced the formation of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation (DHF) at the United Nations in New York City. Hounsou’s nonprofit, which is based in California, aims to reconnect the African Diaspora with the motherland, contribute to healing and reconciliation, and combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking. Amongst other projects, his nonprofit is organizing Run Richmond 16.19 and Time To Heal.
Register for the Run Richmond 16.19 at RunRichmond1619.org.
