An opportunity to get outdoors and get moving, and one last chance to cheer on the Roughrider Women’s and Men’s basketball teams at home this season are the pillars of a two-day Yavapai College Unity Celebration March 4-5 on the Prescott Campus.
The two activities are combining to reinforce YC’s commitment to belonging and inclusion and share the joy and power of unity with everyone in the community.
“Every year we vow to do something to honor the heroes of Black history and celebrate the increasing diversity of Yavapai College and our neighboring communities,” said Chelsey Lucas, YC’s Assistant Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach. “This is not about one color or race. This is about all people and all cultures. It’s about belonging. Unity is a beautiful thing. We see it. We feel it here at YC and we’re celebrating it,” she said.
The first YC Unity event -- a “Crawl, Walk, Run” on the YC Trail and named for a famous quote attributed to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is happening throughout the day Monday, March 4.
“If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving,” is the quote reflecting Dr. King’s philosophy of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. While there isn't a specific documented source for when and where Dr. King said these exact words, it is consistent with the themes of his speeches and his writings advocating for nonviolent resistance and the pursuit of justice.
Everyone is invited to crawl, walk or run at 8 a.m., noon, 2 and 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 4, choosing one of three YC Trail segments delineated for various fitness levels and schedule availability. Each stretch of trail is named in honor of a prominent figure in Black American history -- MLK, Rosa Parks and Malcolm X. Registration for the Crawl, Walk, Run is $20 per person and includes a T-shirt inscribed with MLK’s “crawl, walk, run” quote. Children six and under can participate in the trail event free and a winner for each trail segment at each timeslot will be awarded a prize. Registration proceeds benefit YC Athletics.
YC Campus Safety staff will serve as guides and safety monitors along the trail routes throughout the day. To register for the Crawl, Walk, Run, visit www.yc.edu/unityevent.
Trail event participants and the entire community are invited on Tuesday, March 5, to continue the Unity Celebration at the final YC Women’s and Men’s home basketball contests in Walraven Gym on the Prescott Campus, starting at 5:30 p.m. Half-time activities at both games include sophomore player recognition ceremonies, unity-themed friendly competitions and presentations. YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine, Vice President of Student Engagement and Community Relations Rodney Jenkins and other college leaders, students, staff and faculty are participating in the half-time events.
All are encouraged to wear their Crawl, Walk, Run T-shirts to the basketball games. The T-shirts will be available for purchase before and during the basketball games. To purchase a T-shirt in advance of YC’s Unity Celebration, contact Lucas via email: chelsey.lucas@yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu
