Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the GrassROOTS Community Foundation, and Black Thought of the Roots will launch the “Roots, Rock, Run” 5K Community Walk/Run on Saturday, October 1, from 9 a.m. to Noon, at Weequahic Park at Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Street in Newark’s South Ward. 

The Mayor will also lead a training run for youth, family and community members in preparation for this event, on Sunday, September 18, at 11 a.m., at City Hall, located at 920 Broad Street.

The walk/run is a family-oriented event that will raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthier living and raise funds to support programs and organizations that make healthier living a priority for impoverished women and girls.

The event is supported by the City of Newark, the Essex County Department of Parks & Recreation, Dupre “DoltAll” Kelly of Lords of the Underground, Rah Digga and Vinny of Naughty by Nature, the Newark Public Schools, and the YMCA of Newark.

The day will also include face-painting, a dance contest, and surprise musical performances.

GCF will host two training runs for youth, family and community members in preparation for the R3 event.

o   September 18th, 9:00am – 11:00am:

§  Back-to-School Run with Mayor Baraka, Newark City Hall, 920 Broad Street

o   September 25th, 9:00am – 11:00am:

§  Fun Run at the Newark YMCA, 600 Broad Street, Newark This run will be led by US Olympic Track Team coach Lisa Morgan.

GRASSSROOTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF) is a public health and social action organization that supports, develops and scales health and wellness programs for women and girls, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. For more information, visit

www.grassrootscommunityfoundation.org or follow online @grassrootsfound.