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CAPA walkers: (in back) Mike Kimzey, Robin Hattori, Dr. Vince Joe,
Nancy Mah, Rungsee Suvansri, (in front): Dr. Kendall Itoku
and his family: wife Kristin, and children, Wesley and Emily,
plus dog Andy ( not shown: Laura Paige)
By Scanews Staff
On Sunday, August 11th, several members of the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) took part in the 3rd annual WALK AS ONE, sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).
"NCCJ is an organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism in America. It promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education. The NCCJ Walk as One Walkathon is a community walk designed to support development and expansion of NCCJ's youth and community leadership education programs locally and nationally."
Although rain showers fell upon attendees, spirits were not dampened by the weather. With a slight rain delay there was plenty of time for snacking on treats provided by Darden restaurants. Dance music flowed across the upper Muny parking lot as people poured in for registration.
NCCJ Executive Director, Martin Rafanan was joined by channel 4 news staff, BJC sponsors, and St. Louis' own chief of police as they welcomed walkers to this year's event. The Walk as One walkathon began in the upper Muny parking lot and wound down the road running near the front of the Muny and back up again...a short 1 mile rain-free walk. The Walk as One joined together people of all backgrounds, races, genders and ages.
Teams were encouraged to raise funds for the NCCJ education programs. CAPA raised over $300 for the event, just among the walkers present, including team capt./organizer and NCCJ Board member: Robin Hattori, as well as Mike Kimzey, Dr. Vince Joe, Rungsee Suvansri, Nancy Mah, Dr. Kendall Itoku and his family, and Laura Paige. CAPA invites you to join them again next year for the WALK AS ONE Walkathon! Come rain or come shine, walking in unity for your community and for justice everywhere is a genuinely moving experience.
NCCJ Ex Dir. Martin Rafanan
 
Wesley Itoku and Andy staying dry?
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