Man Completes 1,000 Mile Journey for Racial Equality

Terry Willis, a 35-year-old Black man, completed his 1,000-mile walk for racial equality Sunday, the Hill reports.

What We Know:

  • Willis began his journey in Huntsville, Alabama, and walked almost 994 miles to the site of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
  • Willis said in a statement that he was “marching for change, justice and equality” and added that he embarked on the journey to do his “part by joining the fight for my brothers and sisters across this country starting with George.”

https://www.facebook.com/MarchWithTerryWillis/posts/129568508795658

  • Terry said he was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march from Selma to Montgomery. Noting that Dr. King walked for African American’s right to vote, he added, “In 2020, I, Terry Willis, will walk from Alabama to Minnesota for our right to be seen as equals. 1000+miles.”
  • Willis explained that as a Black man and father raising a Black son, he was confused, angry, and saddened by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. “This could’ve been me, my family or friends. I knew I had to do something,” he added.
  • He made stops along his journey in Kentucky and Missouri to honor the lives of Taylor and Michael Brown, respectively, and live stream videos taken show others joining in on his walk.

Willis’ trek represents a peaceful protest at a time where American’s across the country have come together to fight racial oppression in our country.