By Jay An, Contributing Writer
In the office of Dr. Ebony Perez, the Chair of the undergraduate social work department, you will find one of the participants in the Running for Justice 5K.
When asked about why she decided to help organize the event, Perez said, “So there were three of us who worked closely together for the social justice run and really the purpose of the run is so that we as an institution can contribute back to the surrounding community.”
Perez also spoke about the purpose of the social justice department in accordance with the event.
“Alison Cagle, Dr. Georgina Rivera-Singletary, and I worked together to identify an organization who we wanted to contribute back to so this year, and that was Lacooche Elementary School.” continued Dr. Perez.
Lacooche Elementary School is a school in Dade City that has a total of 300 students. 70% of the students are Latinos and African Americans, most of whom come from low-income families, generational poverty, and 95% qualify for free or reduced lunch.
The choice to support Lacooche Elementary was made due to their lack of funding, and most of the school’s students were in poverty and could not get the supplies needed for class.
“We could have a positive impact and be able to donate back to them with resources and show that as members of the Saint Leo family we are also good community members.” said Dr. Perez.
The Social Justice Committee was formed in the summer of 2020, in part due to the then-recent events that had occurred that year, namely the pandemic. Despite those challenges, the Social Justice Committee committed to their mission of showing that there’s other ways to be together as a society. It is a way for people to connect despite differences and the unique way of view from other people.
During the four weeks of the Running for Justice 5K, those participating were allowed to run or walk.
When the run started, Dr. Perez said that the members of the school district came out and joined her and the others during the run.
To complete the 5K, participants could run or walk around the entire campus of Saint Leo, though they could also run in their neighborhoods, through the town, or anywhere. Running on treadmills is also an option to complete the 3.1-mile goal.
Dr. Perez was then questioned about the possibility that someone might have faked the hours.
“I’m quite sure that there were some people who probably registered who didn’t even participate, so to speak, in the run, but it was more about giving back to the organization and giving to Lacooche Elementary,” said Dr. Perez. “That was their way of giving back.”
In conclusion, Running for Justice 5K was an event that would help a local elementary school thrive. We wish them luck with next year’s Running for Justice event!
