2nd Annual Race Against Racism Held In Downtown Tulsa

Tulsa is taking a stand against racism as hundreds of runners and walkers met downtown for the YWCA's Race Against Racism.  

The race couldn't have come at a better time for the community, 450 runners, walkers and joggers of every shape, size and color joining together to show support for the cause.

"We want a more diverse community. We want more equality and equity in our community and I love that this is a symbol of that," said Felicia Collines Correia, CEO of the Tulsa YWCA.

Correia has made it her mission to bring an end to racism.

"I think that racism is something that does exist in our community and it's so wonderful to see so many coming out and supporting it and saying we don't want that," Correia said.

The race comes just weeks after police say two white men gunned down five black people, at random. Three people were killed. The crimes brought national attention to Tulsa and set off a firestorm criticism that the city is racially divided.

So these racers laced up their sneakers to set the record straight.

"You don't have to be different because you're a different color or treat someone differently because they're not your same color," said Tulsa resident Sabrian Ervin. "They're still a person and I think that's what's important, just being a person."

So whether it was running fast, walking slow, or just out showing support, it was a race with a very real cause in mind.

"I'm sitting, looking at the smiles on everybody's faces, everybody's giving each other high fives. It's just that something like this can bring a community together and this is what we needed today," said Tulsa Shock Point Guard, Ivory Latta.

Transforming the community while eliminating racism, one step at a time. This was the YWCA's second annual Race Against Racism. This year's attendance doubled last years.