Thousands gathered on a warm, sunny Sunday to participate in the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. This year marked the 23rd anniversary of the event.
Sherialyn Byrdsong organized the race in memory of her late husband after he was shot by a white supremacist on July 2, 1999, while running in his neighborhood. The shooter went on to kill two others and wound six other people, all minorities.
Byrdsong was the first African American Northwestern men’s basketball coach. He was hired in 1994 and in his first season took the team to the National Invitational Tournament, the famed NIT. His death sparked a movement that would touch thousands of lives every year at the Race Against Hate.
“Nineteen years ago, we had no idea that with every passing year, this race would become increasingly relevant, and that hate in all of its evil forms would be commonplace,” said Byrdsong in 2018 with words that ring true today.
According to several volunteers and attendees, the turnout for Sunday’s Race Against Hate was one of the largest yet, with more than 1,800 runners.
Despite the gravity of the event, the large crowd of young and old was in a happy and festive mood.
“It’s a family event,” said Aryn Froum, who has run in the race since 2007. “How could you not support your community in this way? It’s just so important, especially with everything going on these days.”
Sherialyn Byrdsong takes a moment to pose for a photo before welcoming runners and walkers. Credit: Heidi Randhava 
The Alexanders head toward the corral to line up with 5K runners and walkers. “We plan to walk,” said Tramell Alexander, pictured left. Credit: Heidi Randhava 
Runners are off to a fast start seconds after the horn signals the start of the 10K race. Credit: Heidi Randhava 
Both runners and walkers brought young family members along in jogging strollers. Credit: Heidi Randhava 
Runners of the 5k cross the finish line in the Race Against Hate on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Long Field on Sheridan Road. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Eric Vazquez-Olivas approaches the 10k race finish line alone in first place. This is Vazquez-Olivas’s first Race Against Hate after he moved to Evanston last year. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Participants in the youth mile wait at the starting line for the OK to begin running. Runners were quick to start and nearly trampled all adults in their way. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Volunteer Bluma Stoller hands out bananas to participants as they finish their events on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Evanston. This is Stoller’s 5th race. She continues to volunteer to support racial equality. “This is the least that I can do,” said Stoller. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Sherialyn Byrdsong addresses attendees at the Race Against Hate.. Byrdsong launched the Race in 2000, one year after her husband was murdered by a white supremacist. “There is some positive action that we can all be taking,” said Byrdsong. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Sabrina, daughter of Ricky and Sherialyn, laughs in a crowd starting one of the events. “The Race Against Hate is not an event, it is a lifestyle,” said Sherialyn in her message to the community for the 20th anniversary of the race in 2020, which was not held in person. Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Charlie Pitman writes on a banner asking what people are racing for. “He drew a Hartman,” said first-time runner Lesley Pitman. “It’s to show he cares and is sending love.” Credit: Kit Wiberg 
Attendees participate in group stretching at the conclusion of all events on Sunday at Long Field. Athletico offered free stretching services in their tent to runners and walkers throughout the day. Credit: Kit Wiberg
During the event, attendees could participate in a 5K and 10K run or walk, youth races or cheer on friends, family and community members from the sidelines. The fastest times achieved were 32:21 by Eric Vazquez-Olivas in the 10K, and 15:49 in the 5K by Kyle McCandless.
Volunteers could also be seen scattered throughout Long Field handing out snacks, water and awards. In addition to volunteers, sponsors had tents set up side by side showing their support and offering information and ways to get involved. This year’s sponsors included Athletico, JCC Chicago, Baxter International and NorthShore University HealthSystem.
Proceeds from the Race Against Hate go toward the mission of YWCA Evanston/North Shore and assist children in their schools to foster healthy relationships among their peers and other meaningful actions related to racial injustice.
“It is so meaningful to see the children here interacting and the community engaged,” said volunteer Theo Lavizzo. “This is a good time, a family thing.”
Byrdsong encouraged everyone to keep fighting against the struggle of injustice millions face every single day.
“There is some positive action that we can all be taking,” said Byrdsong in her introduction to the race.