Today, I joined many others as we run for Ahmaud. I am one of many people running or walking 2.23 miles today. Ahmaud was killed on February 23, (2/23). That’s more than two months ago!

My walk for Ahmaud was not the only walk I’ve done today. I’ve been doing a lot of walking during the COVID 19 epidemic. This extra time walking is vital for me. In this pandemic, many of us have been feeling more stress, with an additional amount of uncertainty. Going on my walks allows me to deal with the stress by getting some exercise, a chance to clear my mind and think. There is a lot to think about. Sometimes when I walk in my neighborhood, I feel I’m being an activist, like my presence is a political statement. Each step is an act of defiance. The longer I walk, the more I validate my existence, prove that I belong.

As I went on my 2.3-mile walk, I decided to walk down Mimosa Drive. This road is about half a mile from my house. It’s on the usual route I take when I go on my walks. It’s also the street where I was stopped by not one or two, but three police officers, all arriving in three separate cars. They stopped me because I, like Ahmaud, looked suspicious. Three police officers stopped me because a neighbor called them, the neighbor said, I looked suspicious, and that I had a gun. The object in my hand was not a gun… it was a coffee mug. Fortunately, for me that day, the police officers were professional and courteous. After a few tense moments, they realized I was a guy, just an ordinary guy walking in his neighborhood. I was fortunate, very fortunate - too often, other black men and women are physically assaulted, arrested, or end up dead in a similar situation.

Unfortunately, Ahmaud was killed.

Now we are out in the street to support Ahmaud. To bring attention to his case and to give him and his loved ones some justice. Join the cause here https://www.runwithmaud.com/

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