Black and Missing Foundation ‘Hope Without Boundaries’ Inaugural Race Raises Close to $15,000

(Landover Hills, MD) – On May 25, Black and Missing Foundation 1st Annual ‘Hope Without Boundaries’ 5K (HWB5K) race raised close to $15,000 to help bring awareness to the hundreds of thousands of missing persons of color who vanished without a trace and to help provide support to their families. The HWB5K attracted close to 500 participants from around the country.

“We are thankful to the participants, special guests, vendors, and volunteers who came come together to make this event a success,” said Founders Natalie Wilson and Derrica Wilson. “We truly believe that all of us, united for such a time as this, through our collective vision will make a change and continue to raise awareness in our communities and throughout the country about our missing.”

During the opening ceremonies at the National Harbor, families emotionally shared stories of their missing loved one, like Elvia Swainson of Columbia, SC, whose 16-year-old daughter Gabrielle has been missing since Aug. 18, 2012; Larry and Lorraine Stackhouse of Syracuse, NY, whose son Larry, Jr. has been missing since Dec 2, 2005; and Thelma Butler of Washington, DC, whose daughter Pamela has been missing since Feb 14, 2009.

Emma Johnston won the race with a top time of 21:18. She was closely followed home by Marvin Jones who finished with a time of 22:20. Final timed results can be found at: http://ow.ly/lsJTT

Top fundraisers included:

  • Brandi Martin who raised $2,835 in honor of her mother Felicia E. Martin, missing since Jun 11, 1992 from Ala.;
  • Nicole Martin raised $2,827 in honor of her missing friend Donald Johnson of Tenn.; and
  • Black Girls Rock and Run for Hope raised $1,159

About Black and Missing Foundation Inc.:

Black and Missing Foundation, Inc (BAMFI) is established as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, by a veteran law enforcement official and public relations specialist, whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color; provide vital resources and tools to missing person’s families and friends; and to provide educational training on personal safety. BAMFI offers a free clearinghouse, which highlights profiles and information on missing persons of color, nationally. Profiles of missing individuals, throughout the nation, as well as news, information, and tips, can be found at BAMFI’s Web site: www.bamfi.org, IG: @blackandmissingfdn, Twitter: @BAM_FI or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bamfiorg.

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