CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Terry Willis started walking from his home in Huntsville, Alabama on Tuesday morning.
Willis, a carpenter, began his journey of a 1,000+ miles on June 2, when he set out from his home in Alabama to Minneapolis, Minnesota- the place where George Floyd died in police custody.
Concerned with the current social unrest in America as protests both peaceful and violent continue across the county, Willis wanted to do something personal to bring attention to the issues of racism and police violence.
So he laced up his running shoes, and he started walking.
“Change, justice and equality. Just to be seen as equals, that’s what we want,” said Willis.
Willis has a GoFundMe account set up by his friends and family to raise money throughout his trip which he plans to use for charitable donations, though the exact charities have not yet been decided.
Friends of Willis are following behind him by car to ensure a safe trip, offer encouragement and to live stream the journey.
Thursday, June 4, he stopped in Pleasant View for lunch and despite the forecast continued on his journey to Clarksville, Tennessee.
As he continued down 41A, locals joined in for a portion of his walk, or stopped by to offer bottles of water and other small gifts. Employees at Pleasant View Pharmacy came outside to say hello and offer a small gift basket with water and other essentials.
As of June 4, Willis has already traveled nearly 150 miles.
More than 25,000 viewers have watched his journey on social media. His next destination is Austin Peay State University.
To follow Terry Willis’ journey and see his journey live, check out his Facebook page.