The Free Movement Project based in Wilmington, NC is a community-wide organization that aims to bring citizens together to cultivate a culture of social justice, creativity, activism, health, mobility, and so much more. Free Movement originally evolved out of Black Man Running– a creative project and 5k held in 2015 to raise awareness about health and social justice for the Wilmington community. Now, Free Movement aims to encapsulate what Black Man Running stands for on a weekly and bi-weekly basis to gather and mobilize community members in a way that brings the narrative of social justice into conversation.Â
Currently, Free Movement holds a weekly 5k run on Mondays at varying locations around Wilmington including Satellite Bar & Lounge and Jengo’s Playhouse. The routes change every so often and don’t go longer than a 5k length. Community members can gather for a casual run/walk around the city and spend time with others who hold similar values about social justice and the creation of an equal-opportunity, equal-access Wilmington.Â
Starting the second Thursday of October (12th), a second Free Movement meeting will be launching on UNCW’s campus. The aim is to begin mobilizing UNCW students along with community members to integrate the university into being an active part of Wilmington’s push for social justice. This will give students and community members alike a chance to mingle and socialize while going on the Free Movement’s weekly 5k walk/run. If you are a student or community member passionate about social justice or just want to join for the chance to socialize and exercise with a group of Wilmington citizens, then Free Movement is for you! Keep an eye out for the Free Movement flyer posted around UNCW’s campus and surrounding areas; info about meeting place and time will soon be available. Come out for a free t-shirt and snacks, along with great company and passionate Wilmingtonians!Â
For more information, visit the Free Movement website.Â
[Photos Courtesy of the Free Movement Facebook page]