JOIN US FOR AN EXTENDED WEEKEND IN RICHMOND, VA,
TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY, CULTURE & COMMUNITY!
This September, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, is hosting a series of unique community events in collaboration with other non-profit partners that take you on a meaningful journey through more than 400 years of Black history. This series of events is powered by more than 40 community partner organizations including the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
As an official partner, Moonglade Travel has put together a unique travel package you don’t want to miss.
Note:
2-time Oscar-nominated actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou will be attending the headline events TIME TO HEAL, RUN RICHMOND 16.19, and AFRICA RECONNECT in person to take a stand for Unity in Diversity.
“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”
Event Overview
ONE WEEKEND, THREE MEANINGFUL EVENTS
Fri, Sep 20 | TIME TO HEAL
Our guided meditation practice & libation ceremony at “Ground Zero” – formerly the location of America’s 2nd biggest slave market – reflects on the intergenerational trauma of the African American community and imagines a path towards collective healing.
Sat, Sep 21 | RUN RICHMOND 16.19
This cultural running & walking event invites our participants to experience over 400 years of Black history, right at the places where this history happened. Our routes of 6.19K (3.85 miles) and 16.19K (10.06 miles) include historical markers and allow families to engage in an inspiring and loving community experience.
Sat, Sep 21 | AFRICA RECONNECT
Our community festival celebrates the beauty of African American culture through dance performances, a drum circle, live music, a Black history pop-up exhibit, kids activation zone, and African-inspired food.
Event Highlights
Theme: Experience Black History, Culture & Community
• Organizer: Djimon Hounsou Foundation
Nonprofit of Djimon Hounsou, the 2-times Academy-Award nominated actor and humanitarian (Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond) will attend the upcoming event in person again.
• Date & Location: September 20-21, 2024 | Richmond, VA
• Website: runrichmond1619.org
• Running Event: Distances: 16.19K (10.6 miles) Run + 6.19K (3.85 miles) Run/Walk
Trip Activities + Events
Fri, Sep 20 | 5PM – 8PM | TIME TO HEAL (Pre-Event)
This guided meditation practice & libation ceremony reflects on the intergenerational trauma of the African American community and imagines a path toward collective healing.
It takes place at a breathtaking location at Main Street Station in Shockoe Bottom. Formerly the 2nd biggest slave market, home of Devil’s Half Acre and the African American burial grounds, this place has an energy that reflects the pain and injustices of its past.
It is right here that you will encounter the Reconciliation Statue, a monument that represents a powerful apology for slavery. Its inscription beautifully summarizes the intentions of the Djimon Hounsou Foundation:
“Acknowledge and forgive the past. Embrace the present. Shape a future of reconciliation and justice.”
As the steady beat of African drummers forms a human heartbeat and grounds your breath, we envision a future of equity and inclusion all the while an ancient libation ceremony connects us back, all the way back to the motherland. Africa.
Sat., Sep 21 | 7AM – 11AM | RUN RICHMOND 16.19 (Headliner Event)
This cultural run-or-walk event invites you to experience over 400 years of Black history, right at the places where this history happened.
As you navigate through the 16.19 kilometers run or 6.19 kilometers run/walk, you are transported back in time to experience the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the American Civil War, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights, and present-day reflections on Black history & culture by local artists.
Our routes of 6.19K and 16.19K include history markers and allow families to engage in an inspiring and loving community experience. You can also download a free audio history guide to deepen your experience.
Fri, Sep 20 | 5PM – 8PM | AFRICA RECONNECT (Post-Race Event)
The finish festival celebrates the beauty of African American culture through dance performances, a drum circle, live music, a Black history pop-up exhibit, kids activation zone, and African-inspired food.
Run Richmond Preview
Optional Add-Ons
AFRIKANA (Black Film Festival)
Take a seat at the short film screenings on Saturday afternoon (12-6 PM), and join this exclusive filmmaker brunch on Sunday morning.
Welcome to the 9th edition of AFRIKANA, the film festival dedicated to screening well-crafted stories that elevate Black culture. Through Black creative expression, we are building a community rooted in lasting connections across the diaspora.
RIVERFRONT CANAL CRUISE
Participate in a 40-minute, historically narrated boat tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal along downtown Richmond’s historic canal walk.
BLACK HISTORY BUS TOUR
Join a 90-minute Black History Bus Tours provided by Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers. The tour will reveal the Black History of Richmond, including the educational, religious, civic, benevolent, and cultural institutions that made Historic Jackson Ward the birthplace of Black Capitalism in the United States (the original "Black Wall Street"), and "The Harlem of the South".
THE VALENTINE MUSEUM
A free museum entry for the entire weekend (Fri-Sun) awaits all participants of Run Richmond 16.19.
The Valentine Museum has collected, preserved, and interpreted Richmond Stories for over 125 years. The museum displays the toppled Confederate statue of Jefferson Davis.
In displaying the statue, The Valentine confronts its past: The museum’s first president, Edward Valentine, designed it before it was erected on Monument Avenue in 1907.
In addition, the exhibit Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth uses evidence to show how Edward Valentine, leaders in Richmond, and others around the country reframed the reality of the Civil War. It uncovers the stories behind the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted the myth.
Travel Itinerary
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Late morning: Departure to Richmond, Virginia
4:00 PM: Check in to hotel in Downtown Richmond.
4:45 PM: Bus Pickup. Transfer to Time To Heal Event.
Time to Heal Event 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Meet & Greet at Main Street Station, The Shed
6:00 – 6:20 PM: Welcome Speeches Appearance by Djimon Hounsou
6:20 – 6:40 PM: Libation Ceremony by Élégba Folklore Society
6:40 – 7:40 PM: Guided Restorative Healing/Yoga Practice by The Well Collective and Drums No Guns.
7:40 – 8:00 PM: Parting words by Omílade Janine Bell
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7:15 AM - 8:15 AM: 16.19K RUN (10 miles)
Libation Ceremony by Élégba Folklore Society, Event Announcements
8:00 AM: Start of Long-Distance Run/Walk
20x Black History Markers, Educational Audio Guide Minimum Walking Pace: 18 min/mi | 3.3 mi/h | 5.4 km/h
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM: 6.19K RUN /WALK (3.85 miles)
Libation Ceremony by Élégba Folklore Society, Event Announcements
9:00 AM: Start of Short-Distance Run/Walk
11x Black History Markers, Educational Audio Guide Minimum Walking Pace: 36 min/mi (1.7 mi/h | 2.7 km/mi)
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: FINISH FESTIVAL OF RUN RICHMOND 16.19
• Drum circle
• Electric slide dancing
• Live band: Mighty Joshua (Reggae)
• African & African American food vendors
• Black History pop-up exhibit
• Kids activation zone
OPTIONAL:
5 PM: Riverfront Canal Cruise
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11 AM: Hotel check out
11:30 AM: Black History Bus Tour provided by Walking the Ward with Gary Flowers.
1 PM: Depart Richmond, VA for Charlotte, NC
What’s Included?
✔ Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of traveling in style and comfort from Charlotte, NC to Richmond, VA in a motorcoach.
✔ Accommodation: Two (2) nights accommodations at a 3-star hotel conveniently located in Downtown Richmond.
✔ Event Activities: Time to Heal, Africa Reconnect, and entry to the Valentine Museum. (Separate race registration is required)
How to book
To secure your space on this exciting experience, click the “Book Now” button below to select your trip package. Once we have received your deposit payment, you’ll receive an invoice and payment schedule for future payments.
Still have questions? Email info@moongladetravel.com.
Reserve your spot on this culture and wellness experience today. Payment options are available.
