On May 8, supporters will lace up their running shoes and take to social media in a virtual tribute to Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed Black man who was fatally shot while jogging in February. This day marks what would have been Arbery’s 26th birthday.
On February 23, while jogging in a neighborhood near Brunswick, Georgia, Arbery was pursued by Gregory McMichael, a former police officer, and his son, Travis McMichael, both of whom were armed. The elder McMichael claimed he believed Arbery resembled a suspect involved in a series of local break-ins. After confronting Arbery, a struggle ensued over a shotgun, leading to Arbery’s tragic death.
Family and friends remember Arbery as an enthusiastic jogger, asserting that he was innocent of any wrongdoing prior to the confrontation. The case has ignited significant outrage, with civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, demanding a thorough investigation, while state and local N.A.A.C.P. officials have called for the McMichaels’ arrest.
In the Satilla Shores neighborhood, where the incident occurred, a memorial cross adorned with flowers marks the spot of Arbery’s death. Public calls for justice have flooded social media, with the case expected to be presented to a grand jury in Georgia once the judicial system resumes normal operations in June.
Jason Brooks, Arbery’s former high school football coach, is urging supporters to commemorate his legacy by running 2.23 miles, a reference to the date of his death. Participants are encouraged to share their runs on social media with the hashtag #IRunWithMaud. “Given the circumstances with Covid-19, we cannot gather publicly,” Brooks explained. “But every runner can relate to Ahmaud—a person who might have had a rough day yet still chose to hit the pavement.”
The Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney has requested an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation into the circumstances of Arbery’s death. “Our objective is to uncover the truth, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation,” stated GBI Director Vic Reynolds in a video message. He emphasized the importance of patience during this process.
Georgia politician, Lisa Matthews, voiced her support for an immediate investigation, criticizing the situation as an act of vigilante justice that should be prosecuted. “The Arbery family deserves justice,” she asserted.
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In summary, supporters are uniting to honor Ahmaud Arbery’s memory through a virtual run, highlighting the need for justice and awareness surrounding his tragic death.
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