Annual MLK Dream Run Set for Sept. 17-18 with ‘Environmental Justice’ Focus — Sport Oregon Voices
Soul District Business Association hosts its 11th-annual MLK Dream Run weekend at Portland Community College Cascade campus
The Soul District Business Association (SDBA) once again is inviting community members to take part in the annual MLK Dream Run in celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision for a just and equitable world for all to share and steward. The 11th-annual weekend celebration will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 at Portland Community College’s Cascade campus.
The theme for this year’s MLK Dream Run is “Environmental Justice,” with much of Dr. King’s vision and actions recognizing that social justice could not be achieved without environmental justice, including universal access to clean air, water, soil and healthy food. The corresponding motto for this year’s event is #EarthNeedsAllies.
There are three races offered on Sunday, Sept. 18, including a 5K, 10K and 15K. Registration for each is currently available online through Friday, Sept. 16 at 12 noon. Interested participants can still register in-person the day before and day of the event, but preregistration is encouraged. The fastest male and female finishers from each of the three races will receive free roundtrip airfare from Alaska Airlines to any destination the airline flies. Additionally, the 90th-fastest finisher will receive the same as part of a special Alaska Airlines promotion. Race participants will receive a t-shirt, raffle ticket, a gift bag from SDBA business supporters, a Dave’s Killer Bread grilled cheese sandwich and a cold beer or beverage post-race.
Saturday features a free kids race for children nine years of age and younger. The Saturday race begins at 10:30 a.m. and kicks off the first day’s festivities.
Fawn Aberson, a race director for the MLK Dream Run, has been involved with the event since its inception in 2012. She says the inspiration for the event was to honor Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech from 1963, while also connecting with small business on a different level and serving as a fundraising source for the Soul District Youth Entrepreneur Programs, which are designed to help low-income and minority youth (ages 16-24).
While getting the MLK Dream Run off the ground had its challenges in the beginning, it has developed into an important event that promotes not only health and wellness, but a sense of teamwork and community inspired by a decidedly healthy agenda.
“It’s grown significantly in popularity and respect,” Aberson said.
The Soul District Entrepreneur Training Programs are designed to help low-income and minority youth improve and expand the skills needed to operate successful businesses. The programs help youth leverage these skills to secure opportunities for better employment and pathways to higher education. The MLK Dream Run Summer Internship Program has expanded over the years to now include the PDX Black Rose Podcast and the Green Lighting Black Lives Matter Youth Video Training Program, which trains participants in the usage and purposeful application of video technology and film and video production. The program also empowers this next generation of youth to bring their own perspectives in telling the stories of their community of Portland.
Over the years, Aberson has seen the many benefits of these programs first-hand. She says they provide a platform for the program participants to not only gain their first employment experience in many cases, but serve as a valuable vehicle for the participating youth to develop in a social sense in a professional setting.
“The biggest thing they come away with is finding their voice,” she said. “By finding that voice through their experiences, they begin to evolve and gain confidence.”
Funds raised through the MLK Dream Run have also allowed the SDBA to successfully activate a Business Impact Group (B.I.G) training program that delivers culturally specific technical assistance that yields multigenerational revenue opportunities and outcomes for businesses, with a particular emphasis on minority/Black businesses that operate or who want to return and operate businesses within the Soul District geographical boundaries.
With a like mission to showcase these types of events for the betterment of the community and city, Sport Oregon is one of a growing group of organizations and businesses that support the annual MLK Dream Run and the efforts of the SDBA.
“By partnering with the MLK Dream Run, we can help the civic, business and political communities to recognize how sports and recreation events like this drive economic vitality, connectivity and positive outcomes in Portland.” said Maika Janat-Vennemann, COO of Sport Oregon. “We see our role as amplifying this event to our community, while also increasing its local and regional visibility.”
Ultimately, the impact of the MLK Dream Run stretches far beyond just the actual races. There also are many ways to get involved, from running or walking one of the races, to becoming a vendor at the event, to volunteering, becoming a sponsor (sponsor@mlkdreamrun.org) or simply by making a donation to the worthwhile programs that benefit from the race.
Event organizers encourage spectators and general entertainment enthusiasts alike to join in the festive weekend fun. Saturday’s kickoff celebration starts with the free kids race while also featuring live music including Andy Stokes and The Brothers in Black Feat band featuring the Soul Sistas, food and drinks and the SoulFul Marketplace vendor village.