CLEVELAND — Every year, hundreds gather outside the Rock Hall today to celebrate diversity at the Annual Walk, Rock & Run event hosted by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio.
This family-friendly event spreads messages of inclusion, acceptance and respect. This year it is going virtual due to restrictions of COVID-19.
Peggy Zone Fisher is the President & CEO of the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. She says many residents of Northeast Ohio are signing up as a way to make a change in our community after the death of George Floyd.
“And that just woke up everybody to what are we going to do? We need to be doing something," said Zone Fisher. "I am hopeful for that change."
The Walk, Rock and Run Event is committed to bringing the community together to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism all the while creating leaders in our community. Proceeds support diversity programs in schools throughout Northeast Ohio, reaching more than 14,000 students.
“Our goal is really to create leaders that are going to be able to change, as they grow, they are going to be able to change our community in a really positive way," said Zone Fisher.
Usually the Walk, Rock and Run starts and ends at the Rock Hall in Downtown Cleveland. This year – the event is going virtual. Now – you get to choose your own course, whether it's a treadmill or your neighborhood street. You can follow along on Facebook live too for the one mile walk, three mile walk or 5K run.
“People have just realized that there is so much work to be done, important work and [they are really asking] what can I do? And some people are feeling really helpless.”
The step off for the walk is 8:30 on Sunday, June 21st. You are encouraged to dress up as your favorite superhero and post pictures to social media with the hashtag #walkrockandrun for the change to win prizes.
To register, click here.