AMARA HARRIS NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF UNCF CHICAGO WALK FOR EDUCATION
AMARA HARRIS NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF UNCF CHICAGO WALK FOR EDUCATION
5K Walk/Fun Run and 10K Bike/Skate event in Burnham Park, Sept. 7
CHICAGO -- When the 41st Annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education kicks off this year, recent Spelman University graduate Amara Harris will serve as the very first Grand Marshal, a newly-created role. The Walk for Education will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m. in Burnham Park, Grove 7.
As in years past, participants can choose from a 5K Walk/Fun Run or a 10K Bike/Skate course.
As the first Grand Marshal, Harris, a student justice advocate, scholar and future veterinarian, will generate excitement from the stage and lead the participants to start the Walk.
“I am so honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the UNCF Walk for Education. I believe that education is critical to this generation of young people and UNCF is providing scholarships to help kids attend college, and most importantly, graduate,” Harris said.
“We selected Amara Harris as our very first Grand Marshal because she represents our next generation of leaders and she is extremely accomplished in so many areas including in student social justice.
Despite being a stellar student in high school, involved in several extracurricular activities including student government, the Step Team and cheerleading, Harris was wrongly accused of theft and received a Municipal Ordinance Violation ticket.
But after a fierce fight, she won her nearly four-year battle to clear her name and was fully exonerated in court.
But she didn’t stop with that win. This experience fueled her mission to challenge the practice of issuing Municipal Ordinance Violation tickets for minor school offenses. Amara’s advocacy focuses on empowering students and families to stand up against unfair practices and use education as a tool for systemic change. Today, she is fighting to help pass a bill to get rid of Municipal Ordinance Violation tickets which overwhelmingly impact the lives of Black and Brown students.
“Amara is a hero, and we are proud to have her helm the 41st Annual UNCF Walk for Education,” said Rollins.
To register for or donate to the UNCF Walk for Education, visit uncf.org/Chicagowalk. Follow us on social media: #LaceUp4UNCF, #UNCFChicago, and @UNCFChicago
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