By Daniel Leopold
Contributing Writer
On Sunday, Sept. 22, two vans filled with St. Bonaventure students left campus to take part in the “Dash for Diversity,” a run sponsored by the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC) in Buffalo. The event was supported by the Damietta Center which is dedicated to combating biases and cultivating an appreciation for diversity on campus.
The NFJC is a human relations organization aimed at overcoming racism, bias and discrimination by building understanding, respect and trust through education, advocacy and community involvement.
The group carries out racial-awareness programs and conventions, such as the “Dash for Diversity,” that help meet their goals.
Growing up, I had always heard my mom, who works for the NFJC, talk about the importance of individuality and tolerance. At the “Dash and Diversity,” these qualities were on full display. A flock of like-minded runners and walkers gathered at Delaware Park for the sake of promoting these ideals.
After learning that Bonaventure was partaking in the event, I immediately decided to sign up. Having already volunteered at the event in previous years, I knew that a lot of hard work goes into planning and executing the run. Also, I could not pass up an opportunity to return to my hometown for a day.
I woke up and rushed out of my room, arriving at the Thomas Merton Center at 8:30 a.m. Sprinting while half-asleep, I reached the center in time to board the bus and head out to Buffalo. After the two-hour bus ride, all 16 Bonaventure students piled out of the vans, yawning and stretching almost simultaneously.
Waiting in line to register, I gave hugs to everyone I knew from working with the NFJC. After religiously attending the walk every year, I was nostalgic to see these dedicated workers who I had grown so close to.
The run began shortly after 11:00 a.m. with the loud bang of the starting pistol. Shortly after, a group of about 200 people started walking behind the runners. It was a typical fall day, the weather was cool and a slight wind kept me in a sweatshirt. The trees lining the path at Delaware Park were beautiful, and the leaves were all different shades of red, green and orange.
After finishing the two-mile walk, lunch was served cookout style. Hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork were available, along with a healthy assortment of cookies.
After lunch, an award ceremony began. The participation award for most students of one college present at the event was granted to Hilbert College, besting St. Bonaventure by just one more student. Door prizes were awarded, and medals were given out to running teams with the fastest times.
As a special treat, the mayor of Buffalo, Byron Brown, made an appearance, commending the work the NFJC has done to promote diversity. In his speech, he noted that everyone he ran into at the event was inviting and tuned in to the values upheld by organizations such as the NFJC of Western New York and the Damietta Center.
After returning to campus, I reflected on the event. Accepting others and reaching open-mindedness is key to any equality-based social structure, and advocating for diversity is an integral part of achieving this. The work that groups like the NFJC accomplish should be commended for tackling these issues head on.
