RACE AGAINST RACISM

YWCA Color 5K run takes a stand against injustice

POTTSTOWN >> Community members ran through color at Riverfront Park on Saturday to signify their stance against racism.

More than 100 people registered to be part of the first YWCA Tri-County Area Race Against Racism Color 5K, said Stacey Woodland, executive director of the nonprofit organization. She said the 5K run or walk event supported advocacy programs of the YWCA and incorporated an important part of their mission which is to eliminate racism.

From children to adults, people spent their Saturday morning running along the Schuylkill River Trail through clouds of bright color. The 5K race may have been the main event but the movement started way before then. Participants got warmed up with some line dancing to music being played at the park. There was also a group stretch and warm-up which included running in place, jumping jacks and more.

“We wanted people to be ready to do the walk or the run,” Woodland said. “We invited people regardless of where you are in your capacity and previous history of doing a 5K.”

The Race Against Racism 5K was in connection to the national YWCA campaign called Stand Against Racism. The movement is about working for racial justice and creating awareness about the negative impacts of racism. Woodland said the YWCA USA campaign is about helping peo-

ple figure out the kind of racism they are most passionate about and how they can stand against it.

“I see the campaign evolving into all kinds of ‘isms’ but racism especially is always going to stay at the top this campaign,” she said.

Before this year, the local YWCA participated in the Stand Against Racism campaign by doing assemblies with students in area school districts. Woodland said the students write down the type of racism they want to stand against then share it through social media. YWCA TriCounty Area decided to add a healthy 5K race to their 2017 campaign. Woodland said the race allowed other community members to get involved and take a stand against racial injustice.

“A couple things that we (the YWCA) are trying to make sure we do is be focused on the health and wellness of our community and then really living up to the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity,” she said.

Woodland said Saturday’s color 5K allowed YWCA Tri-County Area to work on their core mission while also promote healthy behaviors and attitudes.

Proceeds from the 5K will go toward racial justice programming. For more information about YWCA Tri-County Area, visit their Facebook at facebook.- com/ywcatricountyarea or the website at ywcatricountyarea.org.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Children and adults run through color at the start line of the local YWCA Race Against Racism 5K which was held at Riverfront Park in Pottstown.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA People emerge from clouds of colored powder at the start of the local YWCA Race Against Racism 5K at Riverfront Park in Pottstown on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Bridget Flaherty, 11, runs toward the finish line covered in colored powder during the local YWCA Race Against Racism 5K at Riverfront Park in Pottstown on Saturday. Flaherty was the first girl to finish the race and came in 3rd place overall.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA People walk on the Schuylkill River Trail at Riverfront Park in Pottstown after getting covered in colored powder for the local YWCA Race Again Racism 5K on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA People line dance on the Schuylkill River Trail at Riverfront Park in Pottstown before participating in the local YWCA Race Against Racism 5K on Saturday morning.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA People stretch out and do warm-up exercises before they participate in the local YWCA Race Against Racism 5K at Riverfront Park in Pottstown on Saturday.

MICHILEA PATTERSON — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Aiden Weber, 15, poses for a photo alongside Stacey Woodland, YWCA Tri-County Area executive director, during a Race Against Racism 5K at Riverfront Park in Pottstown on Saturday. Weber, a Pottstown High School student, crossed the finish line first at...