Brunswick community marks six years since Ahmaud Arbery’s death with memorial run

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WTOC) - The Brunswick community gathered Monday evening for the Ahmaud Aubery Foundation and Golden Isles Track Club’s joint annual Run With Maud memorial run, marking six years since Ahmaud Arbery was killed while running in the city.

The event covered 2.23 miles, a distance symbolic of the date Arbery was shot and killed. Participants began at Brunswick City Hall, continuing a tradition held each February 23rd since his death.

‘Keep running for change’

Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson addressed the crowd, reflecting on Arbery’s legacy.

When asked what he believed Arbery would say today, Johnson said: “Keep running. Keep running for change, keep running for more, and keep running to build the ties that bind us a little bit stronger.”

Johnson said the tragedy led to action beyond Brunswick.

Following Arbery’s death, the community traveled to the state capitol to help pass hate crimes legislation that remains law today. He credited Ahmaud’s family for continuing the fight for justice beyond the local level.

Mother attends Brunswick run for first time

This year marked the first time Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, attended the Brunswick run.

“When he left home on that sunny Sunday afternoon, he didn’t know that he’d be running into an act of hate. And it’s very important to continue to do what Ahmaud loved to do. To show people that love overpowers everything,” Cooper-Jones said.

Cooper-Jones said the diversity of participants carried meaning for her.

“Not just to see people who look like Ahmaud running, but people of all genders, all nationalities. I mean, it really means a lot, knowing that people really stood in the fight for justice for Ahmaud,” she said.

Cooper-Jones said the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation has raised $70,000 in scholarships as part of efforts to honor her son’s legacy through education and outreach. When asked what she believes her son would say today, she said: “Mama, I’m proud.”

Community excited to honor Ahmaud

Jennifer Holmes, a runner and board member of the Golden Isles Track Club, described the tone of the annual event.

“It hasn’t been somber. It’s been a group coming together from all walks of life in Brunswick. And doing something we all enjoy doing, which is running or walking, and eating of course,” Holmes said.

“It’s been really neat to see everyone come together to honor his life.”