In the midst of everything that is going on, you need to find something to uplift and better ourselves as people. And this podcast has been that for myself & the listening audience all over the world. And in the middle of another black life that has been lost due to racism, a mother has carried her son's legacy and memory into a foundation that will be fundraising for an incredible cause.

On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood near Brunswick, GA. Three men hunted him unjustly & as Arbery attempted to defend himself, Travis McMichael fatally shot him. The case would have been mishandled had the public interest not peaked and forced outside agencies to take over the case. On June 24, 2020, a grand jury indicted each of the three men on charges of malice murder, felony murder, and other crimes. On January 7, 2022, the McMichaels were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus 20 years, while Bryan was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 30 years.

Now, after 3 years since the tragedy, his mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones is keeping Ahmaud's name alive with his the 1st Annual Run With Maud 5k Walk/Run. The Run with Maud 5K Run/Walk, an initiative to celebrate the life of Ahmaud Arbery and raise funds for the foundation established in his name, will take place on May 6 in Centennial Olympic Park. "Ahmaud ran to feel free,” said Cooper-Jones, who created the foundation. “It is the goal of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation for all people to enjoy running for their mental and physical health. The Run with Maud 5K will raise awareness for that vision and funding to provide mental health resources for black boys."

This is the interview that is live on MajicATL.com as well as run during my show on Sunday afternoons, "Sunday Sirmons." Please visit AhmaudArberyFoundation.org to join the great cause.