CLEVELAND — #RunWithMaud was seen on social media platforms nationwide and in Northeast Ohio on Friday to honor Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed man who was shot and killed while jogging in his Brunswick, Georgia community.
Arbery's murder came to light after a video posted to social media platforms sparked national outrage. The father and son, Michael and Travis McMichael, accused of his murder were arrested on Thursday, May 7.
On May 8, runners took to the pavement in remembrance of Arbery on what would have been his 26th birthday. People ran 2.23 to mark the day, February 23, that Arbery was killed.
In Cleveland, members of the community including the local chapter of Black Girls Run! participated in the movement.
"Black Girls Run! did not initiate this event," Teresa Sayles, an ambassador with the organization said. "But we just wanted to show solidarity. And so, us along with several other black organizations like National Black Marathoners, and even run communities wanted to show solidarity."
Members of the organization shared with 3News that there are now concerns about running in the wake of Arbery's death, but hope that the #RunWithMaud movement will spark unity.
"This is an opportunity for us all to come together across races, across genders, etc. Cause it really isn't just a matter about black people caring about Ahmaud. It really should be about all people caring about injustices," Black Girls Run! Cleveland member Natalie Harper said.