Press Release

Join a Community Mindfulness Practice in Service of the African American Community …

… presented by Allianz in collaboration with the City of Richmond, and the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.

“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman

RICHMOND, VA (September 17, 2024) – The effects of centuries of systemic racism, oppression, and discrimination have led to deep-rooted historical traumas that manifest in many individuals, specifically African Americans as dismembered (manifested by a fractured or broken sense of wholeness or identity) and White Americans as disembodied (manifested by a disconnection to these histories and their present-day impacts).

To reflect on our shared past and bring our diverse community together to imagine a future of reconciliation and healing, ALLIANZ PARTNERS kindly presents TIME TO HEAL. This mindful community practice combines an African libation ceremony, meditation, breathwork, and movement to connect us as one, promote compassion and forgiveness, and strengthen community ties. This free event takes place inside the breathtaking glass building of Main Street Station on Friday, September 20th, from 5 pm to 8 pm. Located in the heart of Shockoe Bottom, formerly the site of Devil’s Half Acre, the African Burial Ground, and the second-largest slave market in America, this space is earmarked to host the National Slavery Museum, honoring the memory of enslaved people.

TIME TO HEAL is organized by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, the nonprofit of 2-time Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou, in close collaboration with five Black-run nonprofit organizations: The Elegba Folklore Society, Drums No Guns, the Community Healing Network, Lessons in Emotional Healing and Freedom, and The Well Collective.

The actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou, who famously starred in Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and more recently in A Quiet Place 2 and Rebel Moon, is looking forward to attending this event in person. When asked about his inspiration for bringing TIME TO HEAL to Richmond, he recites the inscription of Richmond’s Reconciliation Statue:“Let us acknowledge and forgive the past. Embrace the present. Shape a future of reconciliation and justice.”

“Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is a key principle at Allianz Partners,” says Jill McAuliffe, DEI Chair at Allianz Partners USA. “The uniqueness of every associate is fundamental to our success and we’re proud to foster an environment where every individual feels valued and respected, which we feel helps drive innovation, enhances associate satisfaction, and better serves our diverse customers and community.”

 TIME TO HEAL is a free community event that requires a registration. It is the pre-event of Run Richmond 16.19, the cultural run-or-walk event that takes its participants on a journey through more than 400 years of Black history. For more details, please visit this link.

— END OF COPY —

MEDIA ASSETS

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

ABOUT THE RECONCILIATION STATUE
A positive and hopeful symbol, this 12-feet tall bronze sculpture depicts two figures embracing each other, being reconciled.  Through their embrace, the two figures become one, a unity that is emphasized by the root solidity of their form. The figures themselves are universal and within their features can be identified as anyone, or any group of us, transcending the boundaries of gender, color or creed. Created by Liverpool-based artist Stephen Broadbent. It commemorates the Triangle of the Transatlantic Slave Trade between Africa, America, and Europe through 3 identical statues which were put into the Cities of Liverpool, England, Cotonou, Benin in West Africa, and Richmond, VA. When connected through straight lines, these 3 statues form the Triangle of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, but also the Triangle of Reconciliation.

 

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: COMMUNITY PARTNERS

 

ABOUT: ALLIANZ PARTNERS

In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. For more information about our industry-leading travel insurance products, please visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

For more information, please visit:

— END OF RELEASE —