The weekend of Sept. 20-21, Run Richmond 16.19 will lead a journey through 400 years of Black history. The walk-run event, now in its third year, is put on by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation.

The actor and philanthropist spoke about the central mission of the event at a press conference at the Black History Museum.

"The work I do as an actor is my day job," Hounsou said. "This is a defining legacy."

The 6.19K and 16.19K distances are designed to take participants through history, tracing the steps of victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and prompting reflections about shared ancestry, systemic racism, and the path towards unity.

The foundation has partnered with the City of Richmond, Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, and Sports Backers.

Get involved

The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, starting at 8 a.m. at Kanawha Plaza. Register here.

There will also be a reflective event the evening before the race, on Friday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Time to Heal at Main Street Station will feature speakers, centering and restorative movement, drumming, and a silent procession. Registration is free and there is a $10 suggested donation.