Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin Joins 2nd Annual HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk as Grand Marshal

June 19, 2009 - PRLog -- Atlanta – Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin is teaming up with the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance and the United Negro College Fund’s Atlanta Inter-Alumni Council for the 2nd Annual HBCU Alumni 5K Run/Walk taking place on Saturday, June 27th.  Mayor Franklin will serve as Grand Marshal and sound off the starting bell at the annual fundraising event.  

The Mayor’s support is a welcomed addition for the group.  “As a prominent alumnae of one of our member schools, Howard University, we are overjoyed that the mayor will join our current roster of other distinguished Race Marshals and be a part of our event,” said Alliance vice-chair and FAMU alumnae Condra Magee.

Several other distinguished Atlanta residents, some even alumni of the respective colleges, will attend the 5K as Race Marshals, including Tuskegee graduates builder Herman J. Russell and Supersoaker inventor Lonnie Johnson; civil rights activist Jesse Hill Jr., a Lincoln University alumnus; Radio Personality, actress and FAMU alumnae, Rashan Ali; theatre and film director Kenny Leon, alumnus of Clark Atlanta University; Howard University alumnus Senator Kasim Reed, Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court Tina Robinson and many more.

With the recent shake-up from the Obama administration’s decision to not renew $85 million in funds made available to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) during former President George W. Bush’s term, the significance of the race is even more prevalent.  Funds raised from the 5K will benefit the scholarship funds of participating alumni chapters who provide scholarships to local high school students attending the over 20 represented HBCUs.  Some past recipients include participants of Mayor Franklin’s Youth Program (formerly Next Step program).

The 5K is sponsored by Nike, Radio One, Coca Cola Enterprises, and New Era presents Tradition and already has over 500 registrants from as far as California participating.  The event will take place at Grant Park located at 840 Cherokee Avenue, SE in Atlanta. Onsite registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk will start at 8:30 a.m.  In addition to the male and female overall winner awards, first, second and third place awards will be given to the fastest persons in each of the five age categories spanning from 18 and under to 50 and older.  There will also be a first, second and third place award issued to the fastest three walking participants.  Winners will receive free pairs of shoes from Nike, a second year sponsor of the 5K, as well as other items.

“This is going to be a spectacular event for the entire family,” said race coordinator Marck Dorvil. “Our theme, Run For You, Run For Them, Run For Us, highlights our three-fold purpose:  Run For You embodies the health aspect and the importance of getting active, Run For Them represents the scholarship dollars raised for future students of the participating HBCUs, and Run For Us represents the strength and success we achieve when we work collectively.”

With an increased focus on health & wellness, the Alliance has added a full health fair to the event roster.  Participants will be able to receive free blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and body mass screenings, speak to various medical experts and nutritionists, and even ask questions they may not have asked their doctors about medications they’re taking as part of the “brown bag” program sponsored by the FAMU Pharmacy Alumni group.  

Several organizations are volunteering to provide services during the Health Fair.  Westwood College is sponsoring the vision and blood pressure screenings and free massages will be given by Masaje by Jai and Loving Care Chiropractic of Stone Mountain.  Life Blood South will be on deck with its blood mobile to acquire blood donations and the American Cancer Association and Fulton County Health Department will provide health education.

“We’re taking a stand for healthier living and longevity,” said Alliance chair, Dan Ford.  “The statistics are not getting any better and unfortunately African-Americans are the victims of many diseases preventable with good diet and exercise habits.”

The Alliance is also partnering with the United Negro College Fund’s Atlanta Inter-Alumni Council to sponsor a college fair; an effort to make an even bigger impact in the community. “This will be a win-win event for all parties involved especially the students who will benefit from the funds raised for scholarships,” states Sam D. Burston, Regional Development Director for UNCF.

The college fair will be held from 12–3 p.m where students can obtain information from the represented colleges and universities.  There will also be a book scholarship drawing for participating students who will attend one of the schools affiliated with the HBCU Alliance in the fall of 2009. The scholarship will be funded from a portion of the Run/Walk proceeds. Remaining proceeds will go to the scholarship funds for each of the participating schools and the UNCF.

“This will be an unprecedented event in terms of type, scale and impact,” added Ford.  “In addition to the race, health fair, and college fair, we’ll get together for some games, food and fun with the Alumni Cookout from 12pm – 6pm.”

The registration fee for the event is $30.00 from June 16-27 and $35.00 on event day, June 27.  The $25 pre-registration discount fee is still available for teams of 10 or more.  There are six age categories ranging from 12 and under to 50+ for both men and women and all registrants receive a commemorative t-shirt.  Online registration and sponsorship is available at www.hbcualumniatlanta.com.  The first 100 registrants receive a Russell Athletics duffle bag packed with gifts from the event sponsors including a 50 Million Pound Challenge Kit, a Delta Flight Kit, a Georgia Lottery scratch off ticket, Chick-Fil-A coupons, gifts from The Atlanta Tribune and much more.

For more information on registration, large teams, or sponsorship opportunities, call Dan Ford at 404-260-7404 ext. 701 or visit www.hbcualumniatlanta.com.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE:

The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance was formed in 2005 in order to create an environment of collective economics, camaraderie and networking amongst the HBCU alumni in metro-Atlanta.  In addition to the Run/Walk, the Alliance hosts an annual HBCU Alumni Mixer each January as one of its signature scholarship fundraising events.  

The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance is a 501c3 non-profit entity.  Proceeds from the event benefit the scholarship programs of participating chapters.  The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance is currently comprised of the following metro-Atlanta alumni chapters: Bennett College, Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Grambling University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Lincoln University of Missouri, Miles College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, Virginia Union University, Wilberforce University and Xavier University of Louisiana.

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The AHBCUAA, a 501c3 non-profit formed in 2005, is a collective of over 20 HBCU Alumni Chapters with the mission to create an environment of collective economics for scholarship fundraising, camaraderie and networking amongst HBCU alumni in metro-Atlanta.