As a kick-off for Inauguration week, Florida A&M University hosted a 5k Walk Run, Roll, and Stroll in collaboration with Stork's Nest Tallahassee. Participants of all ages ran, walked and strolled from FAMU’s campus to Cascade Park, where they celebrated then enjoyed live jazz music.
D.A. Robin;
09/28/2014
@ Bragg Stadium
Florida A&M President Elmira Mangum, left, and others perform Zumba moves Sunday outside Bragg Stadium ahead of that afternoon's Presidential 5K Run, Walk, Stroll event. It was the first of a week of activities to celebrate Mangum's upcoming inauguration on Oct. 3.
While the weather appeared to be a bit unpredictable, participants showed up in droves in support the university's new president, Elmira Magnum. Organizations such as Red Cross Blue Shield, FAMU Athletics and Black Girls Run brought light to an otherwise dreary day. Black Girls Run Tallahassee ambassador, Shonell Rogers, expressed her excitement about being at such an empowering event.
“We’re excited to be apart of this event. We are sole ambassadors of health and strength and that’s this event is about," said Shonell Rogers.
President Mangum’s heart for service was reflected by the event, as she is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the founders of Stork’s Nest.
Stork’s Nest is an incentive program in cooperation with the leading national nonprofit for pregnancy and baby health, March of Dimes. The organization works to increase the numbers of youth and women seeking the early and continuing prenatal care. The Nest is a distribution center where expectant mothers, can get needed maternity and infant clothing at no cost. Participants of the 5K Walk Run Stroll came baring baby supplies and monetary donations to benefit the organization that the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority holds dear. Lastacia Spencer , Co-coordinator of Stork’s Nest Tallahassee was pleased with the day’s donations.
“We are very blessed to receive such great donations.” Said Lastacia Spencer. There are a lot of women are there that can benefit from these items so even if we would have gotten one item, we would have been happy with that. “
As participants, including President Mangum, crossed the orange and green finish line, there was an overwhelming sense of completion and renewal. Kellen Winslow, FAMU’s athletic director and Co-chair for the event, expressed his satisfaction with the students’ and community’s support of the 5K Walk, Run, Roll, Stroll.
It’s a chance for the two to engage (FAMU’s student community and Tallahassee community). Said Winslow “To have the Inauguration, such a major event in FAMU history, to start off with something healthy that involves the whole community sends a great message about a new day at FAMU.”
Upon completion of the race, the sounds of FAMU’s music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha, rewarded the crowd for a race well run with soothing jazz music.