Alpha Lambda’s Annual Cinco de Mile 5K: Honoring Legacy and Mental Health Awareness
Alpha Lambda's annual Cinco de Mile 5K Fun Run (play on words to reference the Cinco de Mayo celebrations), which started in 2021, has become a key event for raising awareness around mental health while celebrating the vibrant culture of Southwest Detroit. This year, the event not only continues to honor its purpose of promoting mental health awareness but also holds a special significance as the Alpha Lambda community remembers Soror Amicia, a beloved member who passed away recently. Her memory is being celebrated as part of this year’s event, making it even more meaningful for all those involved.
The Origin of the Cinco de Mile 5K
The idea for the Cinco de Mile 5K Fun Run emerged during the pandemic in 2021, when the Alpha Lambda chapter sought to create an event that combined both community impact and cultural celebration. Influenced by existing races in the area, such as the Corktown race and the Run of the Dead, the 5K was designed to promote mental health awareness in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. It is the only non-timed race so it is dubbed a fun run to distinguish this as an activity versus a competitive run.
Alma Cruz, a driving force behind the event, was inspired by the need to support mental health resources in Southwest Detroit. Partnering with local organizations, she aimed to create a fun, accessible event that could promote healthy living while raising awareness about available mental health resources. This was crucial, particularly in light of the growing mental health challenges faced by the community.
Community Engagement and Resource Sharing
Each year, the Cinco de Mile 5K brings together participants who not only run for a cause but also get to learn about mental health resources in their community. For the first three years, the event included resource packets from local organizations such as Starfish Family Services and Southwest Solutions. These packets provided crucial information about mental health services, as well as other community resources, helping to bridge the gap between the event and real-world support.
In 2024, the partnership with Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) and Alyssa’s team helped expand the scope of the event. They introduced self-care kits that were given out during the run, adding a personal touch to the awareness campaign. The kits included soothing items like face masks, Chapstick, hand sanitizer, and essential oils to promote wellness.
Alyssa Avila’s involvement brought a new dimension to the event as well. Her organization, UNI, piloted the Mental Health Equity Council, which works to combat stigma and provide accessible mental health information to communities facing language barriers. This year's event will continue to feature elements of self-care and wellness while emphasizing the importance of mental health support in the local community.
A Tribute to Soror Amicia
This year’s Cinco de Mile 5K holds even greater significance as it honors Soror Amicia “Dynamic” Bowman, a sister whose untimely passing left a deep void in the Alpha Lambda chapter. Alma Cruz and other members have expressed that Amicia’s passion for supporting the community and raising awareness about mental health continues to inspire the event. The energy and dedication that Soror Amicia brought to the chapter will be remembered through this event, ensuring that her legacy lives on in the mission of Alpha Lambda.
Looking Forward to This Year's Event
As the event approaches, participants can look forward to a variety of activities designed to promote health and wellness. Zumba instructor Roberto will return to lead a warm-up session, while the Vominos team will be handing out ginger shots to participants, helping them recharge after the run. The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line—there will be a variety of other exciting activities designed to keep everyone engaged and promote the continued importance of mental health in the community.
This year’s Cinco de Mile 5K Fun Run promises to be an even more impactful occasion, combining celebration, remembrance, and the promotion of mental health awareness.
Join the Alpha Lambda Graduate Chapter for Their Annual Cinco de Mile 5K!
Run for mental health awareness in Southwest Detroit and celebrate culture, wellness, and community! This year, we honor the legacy of Soror Amicia and her passion for giving back.
📅 Saturday, May 3, 2024 | ⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Clark Park, 1130 Clark Ave, Detroit, MI 48209
🙌 Sisters interested in volunteering?
Contact Alma Cruz at alma.f.cruz@gmail.com or click here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Detroit/DTLpresentsCincodeMile
