Race Against Hate draws thousands to Evanston to honor Ricky Byrdsong's legacy

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Thousands of people gathered in Evanston on Father's Day for the annual Ricky Byrdsong Race Against Hate, a community event honoring the former Northwestern University basketball coach.

The race featured a family-friendly 5K and 10K course and served as a tribute to Byrdsong's legacy. Participants laced up and took off together in a show of unity and remembrance.

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"We walked through this neighborhood every night, it was a way for us to come together to show our love and support for one another and it was how we grieved," said Sherialyn Byrdsong, founder of the event and widow of Ricky Byrdsong.

It has been 27 years since Byrdsong was gunned down by a white supremacist while walking with his children near his Skokie home. The gunman later took his own life after a multi-day shooting spree.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sherialyn Byrdsong said she chose a path of healing and unity.

"This race was intended to make a declaration that no matter what the color of your skin is, your religion, your cultural background, all of humanity is one race against hate," she said.

Organizers and participants emphasized the importance of community action in confronting hate.

"More importantly everyone is out here in community to show that community is our strongest response to hate," said Cherese R. Ledet, president and CEO of YWCA of Evanston North Shore.

The event also serves as a reminder that efforts to combat hate must continue.

"The best response to an act of hate is an act of love," Sherialyn Byrdsong said.

Each year, the race brings together runners, families and neighbors to honor Byrdsong's memory and reinforce a message of unity and resilience.