Press Release

We run history!

Venture on a journey through more than 400 years of Black History at Run Richmond 16.19.

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture, is like a tree without roots”. – Marcus Garvey

RICHMOND, VA (September 17, 2024) – Welcome to the 3rd edition of RUN RICHMOND 16.19, the cultural run-or-walk event the Djimon Hounsou Foundation is hosting in Richmond, Virginia, on September 21, 2024, in collaboration with the Black History Museum & 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 – up close and personal.  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. Says Shakia Warren, the Executive Director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia:

“Throughout America’s history, there is no other city that defines the progression of African Americans 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.”

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, foods & drinks.

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 – 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.

Djimon Hounsou, who famously starred in Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and more recently in A Quiet Place: Day One and Rebel Moon, is attending the event in person and describes his intentions as follows”:

“I feel this compelling need to give back to my continent, to my people, and to champion the idea of reconciliation and reconnection.”

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MEDIA ASSETS

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

ABOUT DJIMON HOUNSOU

Djimon Hounsou is a two-time Academy Award-nominated actor for his work in Ed Zwick’s Blood Diamond (2006) and Jim Sheridan’s In America (2002). He most recently appeared in John Krasinski’s hit

A Quiet Place: Day One, and Matthew Vaughn’s The King’s Man. Hounsou’s upcoming projects include Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon, Alex Parkinson’s Last Breath, and Neill Blomkamp’s Gran Turismo.

Born in Benin, West Africa, Hounsou moved to Paris at the age of 13 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. Small roles followed before Hounsou’s breakthrough performance as an African who leads an uprising to regain his freedom in Steven Spielberg’s Amistad (1997), earning him a Golden Globe nomination and a NAACP Image Award). He later shared a SAG Award nomination with the cast of Ridley Scott’s Academy Award-winning Best Picture, Gladiator (2000).

Hounsou’s film credits also include: A Quiet Place: Day One (2024), Rebel Moon (2024), Gran Turismo (2023), The King’s Man (2021), Charlie’s Angels (2019), Shazam! (2018), Captain Marvel (2019), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).

In 2009, he opened the UN General Assembly with a speech about the impact of climate change on developing nations. Hounsou has also appeared before the US Senate on behalf of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and participated in a hearing and summit for the International Arms Ban Treaty.

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, a cultural running and walking event that lets its participants experience over 400 years of Black history.

Links: Djimon’s IMDB Page, Djimon Hounsou Foundation, Run Richmond 16.19

Media Contacts

 

ABOUT: DJIMON HOUNSOU FOUNDATION

The Djimon Hounsou Foundation is a non-profit based in California whose mission is to:

  1. Strengthen Africa’s intergenerational identity and self-awareness by reconnecting the peoples of the African diaspora with their history, roots & culture.
  2. Create engaging community experiences that allow people of all ethnicities to experience Black history, community, and culture on an intimate, personal level.
  3. Combat modern-day slavery & human trafficking and educate about the causes, stakes, and consequences of the transatlantic slave trade to pave a future of racial healing and reconciliation.

For more information, please visit www.dhf.org and www.runrichmond1619.org

 

ABOUT: BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER OF VIRGINIA

The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia celebrates the rich culture of African American people in Virginia and shares their stories to tell the complete narrative of the American story and foster a more open and inclusive society.

For more information visit www.blackhistorymuseum.org.

 

ABOUT: SPORTS BACKERS

Sports Backers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, pursues a goal to inspire all people to live actively. Sports Backers is dedicated to producing events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supporting youth running and fitness programs, and advocating for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure..

For more information, please visit www.sportsbackers.org

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