Veteran Honored for DEI Efforts as He Takes on Half Marathon

Hamden CT

20 September, 2021

3:03 PM

Description

John Motley of Hamden is described as having a lifelong dedication to community service and has broken countless barriers as an African American leader in banking and philanthropy. His achievements are being recognized at next month's Eversource Hartford Marathon. While welcoming thousands of runners in person on October 9, Hartford Marathon Foundation is honoring nine activists who exemplify inclusivity efforts within their community as part of the 2021 Eversource Hartford Marathon Inspiration Team. Each team member will either be running the 5K, half marathon, full marathon or volunteering. "Highlighting exceptional participants through an Inspiration Team is a decade-long tradition of this event. This year, we wanted to take the opportunity to delve deeper in our HMF community to highlight some participants making a significant difference to help the underrepresented here in Connecticut," said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. "We are so excited to be able to celebrate our participants in person again this year and honored to bring attention to this inspiring group of individuals who dedicate so much effort to helping others." Motley will tell you he's been furthering diversity, equity and inclusion before it was a known phase. Among Motley's numerous achievements, he has been the director for the Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford and President of the Travelers Foundation. The 79-year old veteran is currently training for the half marathon, which he has run before. Joining Motley as members of the 2021 Inspiration Team are Meghan Freed of Hartford, Toni Johnson of Bristol, Kristen Marcroft of Hartford, Garrett Murray of New Britain, Helen Newman of North Granby, Noemi Rodriguez of Wethersfield, Quyên Truong of Hartford and Ana Valentin of Manchester. In conjunction with the Run United theme for 2021, HMF launched the Lace Up for Social Justice campaign last month to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events. With support from Pratt & Whitney to cover costs, 100% from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading "I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE", the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for the Eversource Hartford Marathon. Members of the 2021 Inspiration Team will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider's Guide and receive complimentary race registration, PRE Perks experience and custom event apparel, including a personalized race bib and a pair of shoelaces. The inspiration team concept was developed by HMF in 2011. Purchase laces, learn more about the Eversource Hartford Marathon events or register now at www.hartfordmarathon.com.