Books, community and Runnin

ERA of joy, resistance, and WTF

 Books, community, and running.
Not a bad combo—just add a Moscow mule and I’ll be all set.

Today, I was a pacer for the Book It Boston walk group—a community event that takes us running (and walking) through Boston to visit local library branches. It’s a fun way to explore the city, connect with people, and celebrate our public libraries.

Ironically, this week is National Book Ban Week. The fact that we even have to dedicate a week to that is absurd.

I had hoped that being in Roxbury, we’d see more Black and Brown folks join this route. Maybe the outreach or advertising didn’t quite reach the right circles. Considering where these libraries are located, I expected more diverse representation. Still, this was year four of the event, and word is slowly but surely getting out. This was also the first year they included a walking group, and I was proud to be a co-leader and pacer.

Everyone got a “passport” that we stamped along the way, plus stickers as souvenirs. Our route took us from Roxbury to Egleston to Grove Hall—a four-mile round trip with plenty of stops for dancing, photos, and laughter.

One of the best parts was acting as an informal tour guide through Roxbury. I know some of the local history, and when we passed Malcolm X Park, I shared that his house is right next to it. We didn’t have time to visit, but I would’ve loved to give everyone a mini history lesson. We did stop at the National Center of Afro-American Artists, where a massive, beautiful African head sculpture stands outside. I made sure everyone took a picture there—it’s such a powerful landmark.

As we walked toward Egleston Library, I pointed out Franklin Park and mentioned how it’s part of the Emerald Necklace. We even passed my old church, St. Mary’s of the Angels. Even though I haven’t been there in five years, I still think of it as my church.

Our walking group had about thirty people. All the years I went to St. Mary’s, I’d never actually been inside Egleston Library—it’s such a cool, funky space.

Muhammad and I led the group—he’s also a pacer for Heartbreak Run Club, so it was great to see him here. Before leaving the Roxbury branch, we took a big group photo, then set off. Muhammad was the narrator; I was the motivator. I danced, played music, and chatted with people along the route. Even local neighbors came out to ask what we were doing.

I made a point to greet community members as we passed. What I didn’t think to do—though I should have—was remind the group to be respectful and aware while walking through the neighborhood. I can only imagine how it might feel to look out your window and see a large group of white people walking through your block.

Saying hi, smiling, and acknowledging people is second nature to me—but next time, I’ll make sure to pass that along to everyone.