Chicago … Read and Run organizer Allison Yates has just announced that on Saturday, July 20, Read & Run Chicago and the Black Girls Read Book Club will present a 5-mile, easy-paced run, with stops, through Bronzeville, inspired by Toya Wolfe’s award-winning novel, Last Summer on State Street. Black Girls Read Book Club organizer Cynthia Okechukwu will guide participants through various points of interest relating to Wolfe’s novel, discussing the protagonist’s friendships and family life, along with the effects of the rise and fall of Chicago’s public housing and Dan Ryan construction. Those joining the run are encouraged to read the book ahead of time by borrowing it from their local Chicago Public Library or purchasing it from their favorite indie bookstore.
The post-run event will be at The Chicago Bee Library Branch, 3647 S. State Street, where snacks, book sales with bookstore partner Da Book Joint, and an in-person Q&A with author Toya Wolfe will be offered. Non-runners who prefer to join by other modes of movement are welcome to join but must manage their own safety needs. Ticket prices and other event details are listed below.
MEET: Saturday, July 20, 9:50-10:00 AM at the Chicago Bee Library Branch, 3647 S. State. People will be able to leave personal items (no valuables) in a reserved space. The run begins promptly at 10 a.m.
ROUTE & END: This is an easy-paced (11:00 min/mile), 5-mile route with several stops ending at The Chicago Bee Library Branch, 3647 S. State for the post-run Q&A with Toya Wolfe, as well as book sales, snacks, and social time. The event will officially end at 12:30 pm.
PREPARE: Runners should read Toya Wolfe’s Last Summer on State Street prior to attending the event. Copies will be available from local branches of the Chicago Public Library. Da Book Joint will be selling copies of the book during the event, but people are encouraged to buy copies prior to the event at
Da Book Joint or from their favorite indie bookstore.
INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, the book club discussion and Q&A will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Chicago Bee Branch Library. Participants will be notified via email no later than 8 am on Saturday, July 20 if there are any changes to the event.
BIKING/OTHER MODES OF MOVEMENT ALONG THE ROUTE ARE WELCOME: For non-runners who prefer to bike, roll, rollerblade, scooter, or wheelchair along the route are most welcome, but must manage their own safety.
TICKETS: For more information on tickets, including sliding scale options and early bird pricing, please visit www.readandrunchicago.com/events.
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