As people around the District and nation honored the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), Sheik Ashan Khalid-Bey used the weekend to pay tribute to the civil rights activist by promoting health and physical fitness.
On Saturday, Jan. 17, Khalid-Bey kicked off his MLK Run for Unity and Peace, a 17-mile run in honor of the late freedom fighter. Starting on the National Mall, the run was also a tribute to the historic “I Have a Dream” speech, which King delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, in “17 powerful minutes that changed the course of history,” Khalid-Bey wrote in a statement posted to social media.
“As I run these 17 miles, I do so as a living tribute to his vision, his sacrifice, and his unwavering commitment to justice, love, and equality. I am deeply grateful to not only be a part of history, but to also help create history through this sacred act of remembrance. This is the first run of its kind dedicated to Dr. King, and I step forward with humility, gratitude, and divine purpose,” he said.
While the run paid homage to King, Khalid-Bey used every step to honor others along the route.
“This 17-mile run is also lovingly dedicated to my brother… who is courageously fighting cancer. He is a fearless, intelligent, and beautiful spirit whose strength continues to inspire me and so many others around the world,” he said. “My brother, it is an honor to honor you. Your faith, resilience, and will to fight are a testimony that cancer will not cancel you out. Continue to fight, my brother—I will be running and fighting right beside you in spirit.”
Finally, Khalid-Bey dedicated the run to the late Metropolitan Police Department Officer Terry Bennett, who was fatally injured in the line of duty. He was struck by a vehicle on Dec. 23 and died from his injuries on Jan. 7.
“You made a huge impact on your community and family and also your job,” he said.