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Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris

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Category: Alerts

Published: Tuesday, 23 September 2025 15:42

Media Release

For Immediate Release

Tribute to the Legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris

New Glasgow, September 23, 2025:

A tribute to the legacy of the Run Against Racism and Henderson Paris will be held on Friday, October 3 as part of the New Glasgow 150 Anniversary celebrations. The run, which began 35 years ago, and which lasted for two decades, made a lasting and enduring impact on the region as well throughout Nova Scotia and beyond. A walk will take place from Abercrombie Road, down to George Street and across the bridge and will be followed by a special rally at Glasgow Square Theatre.

“Henderson Paris made a lasting impact with his stand against racism.” states New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks. “As a human rights leader, and as a community leader, Henderson’s story deserves to be celebrated. He inspired generations and today’s generations will also be uplifted by his story.”

“All kids seek connections; this event brings energy, enthusiasm and hope with messages of empowerment and a focus on what unites us!” adds Erin Cormier, Supervisor, Celtic Family of Schools, Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.

The 38 mile (km) run which Paris initiated in 1990 followed a racial incident that one of his sons experienced. He assured the run was designed to include the communities of the area- Pictou Landing First Nation, his hometown of New Glasgow, Stellarton, Westville, Trenton, Pictou and the rural municipality of Pictou County and that it be a catalyst for change. It was also important to the run’s founder to engage youth and throughout the years, thousands of students and community members took part, united in a cause to nurture respect for diversity, unity and inclusion. Throughout the 20 years of the run as well as the 10 years that followed with another event in his honour, the Marathon of Respect and Equality (MORE) that Henderson served as honorary chair, he was officially recognized by local, provincial and national organizations. 

“It is my belief that the R.A.R. event, which over its twenty-year existence, positively impacted and created an awareness that racial discrimination in all forms must be eliminated! This tribute speaks volumes as to how far we have advanced over the course of 150 years.” comments Henderson Paris.

“Then, and even more so now, with global troubling times that we are experiencing, the Run’s logo is just as relevant today, thirty-five years later.” - “Together We Can Make a Difference.”

Members of the public wishing to take part in the tribute walk may gather at the Maranatha Bible Church by 9:45 a.m., while authorized students from the Celtic Family of Schools will be bused and meet at the Christian Fellowship Church. The student procession will lead the walk with Henderson, members of his family and town representatives at 10:00am. Public participants will proceed immediately after the student group. More students will join their student peers at Carmichael Park. The rally will feature student musical performances along with presentations and remarks all in tribute to Henderson and the legacy of his run. This tribute has been created with the goal of continuing his message of respect, harmony and equality for all. The motto “together we can make a difference” was the motto of the original run and is a mantra Henderson still believes in. 

Please note there will be a police escort, brief road closures and other safety measures in place for this special event. The community is also invited to the rally at Glasgow Square which will begin at approximately 10:40a.m., on October 3, 2025.

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Media Contact:
Emma Proudfoot
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Town of New Glasgow
(902)759-9782