Juneteenth Celebration & Hanes Park Cleanup

Juneteenth (June 19th) marks the day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. It was on that day in 1865 that federal troops arrived in Galveston Texas, took control of the state and ensured all enslaved people were freed. Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day) not only honors the end to slavery in the United States, it is also considered to be the longest-running African American holiday. 

In the past couple of years, Juneteenth has become an especially meaningful day with increased awareness of the continued struggle in the African American community for equal opportunity and treatment. As runners, we seek to celebrate freedom and inclusiveness by running as one community to achieve a common goal.  Of note, Twin City Track Club amended our bylaws this year to acknowledge an on-going commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the running community.

We are suggesting that participants wear red, white, and blue to highlight the colors of the Juneteenth flag or red, black, and green, the colors of the Pan-African flag.

We know lots of our TCTC members like to go out for a run/walk/stroll on Saturday mornings. We would love for you to dedicate your run/walk on Saturday June 19th to celebrating the Juneteenth holiday. We encourage you to stop by the “Depot Street Renaissance Mural” on 7th Street downtown Winston Salem, located between Research Parkway and Vine Street. This mural was painted to represent the contributions of many of the individuals, businesses, and institutions that created the “Depot Street” neighborhoods rich heritage. “Depot Street”, now known as Patterson Ave, was one of the first prestigious black neighborhoods in Winston Salem and a thriving hub of black enterprise.

When you find the mural out on your run, take a selfie next to someone or a building on the mural.  Once you get back home check out the link below to see who/what you're standing next to and the significance they had on the “Depot Street” neighborhood of Winston Salem NC, you may learn a thing or two! Tag us on social media with your mural selfies #juneteenth#DepotStreet…. Extra credit if you can name who/what your standing next to in your selfie! https://www.innovationquarter.com/depot-street/

Sign Up for Group Runs Here:

Meet at Hanes Park near the Tennis Center for Juneteenth group runs. Multiple options are available with various paces and distances. We'll pause at the mural so each person can take a selfie next to someone or a building on the mural.  Please RSVP using the links below if you plan to join us for a group run.

     10 Mile Run at 8-9 Minute Pace (7:00am) 

     5 Mile Run at 10-12 Minute Pace (7:30am)

This is a volunteer event beginning at 9:30am and finishing up at 11:00am.  Twin City Track Club has adopted Hanes Park and will be picking up trash and in the park and the creek that flows through the park.  Registration is requested if you plan to participate in the clean up.  Register using the Sign Up buttons at the top of this page. Other details:

• Check-In near the Tennis Center and Hanes Park Track when you arrive.
• All participants must wear gloves that we will provide.
• We will provide hand sanitizer for cleaning up afterwards.
• Grabber/reaching tools are suggested if you have one you can bring.
• Waders and/or rain boots are recommended for cleanup in the creek.
• We will NOT provide food, but will provide bottled water (no soda).

Questions?  Send an email to activities@twincitytc.org.