April Take 5

Running for social justice

As managing director of Nation Inside, MARTHA FOYE also serves as project manager of the Working Narratives organization in Wilmington. They just came off their second year of the Black Man Running 5K event in March and continue to hold weekly runs in the area to promote unity and social justice – as well as the health benefits of running.

WHAT IS WORKING NARRATIVES?

“Working Narratives is national nonprofit arts and social justice organization based in Wilmington. We’re an artist-led organization with a twenty-three-year track record, but we just arrived in Wilmington three years ago.”

WORKING NARRATIVES IS INVOLVED WITH NATION INSIDE. WHAT IS THAT?

“Nation Inside is a national network of grassroots groups working to generate positive remedies for our ailing criminal justice system. We believe that those closest to a problem tend to generate the best solution, so our network is primarily made up and led by mothers of incarcerated individuals.”

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THIS WORK?

“I started running with the Black Man Running run group and fell in love with the cause, it’s use of arts as a means of social change and its cultivation of diversity. It gave me the sense that Wilmington could be a true home to someone like me and provide a sense of belonging. I love the fact that BMR is dedicated to building a culture of health.”

EXPLAIN THE TIE BETWEEN THE MISSIONS OF THESE GROUPS, BLACK MAN RUNNING, AND HEALTH.

“BMR uses running and walking as an organizing tool, a way to inspire better communication and awareness among participants, while simultaneously combating the impact of racism on health and promoting social justice.”

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN THE MOVEMENT?

“You can show up at 815 Princess Street and look for the yellow tank tops. We run and walk various routes through downtown Wilmington every Monday.”

To view more of photographer Chris Brehmer's work, go to www.chrisbrehmerphotography.com.