76-year-old woman walks from Chicago to Montgomery for racial equity

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) — A 76-year-old woman is walking across the country for racial equity.

Rachelle Zola is making the 750-mile journey from Chicago to Montgomery, hoping to inspire those who she meets along the way.

Zola says she felt a calling to help Black communities, and as an avid walker, she decided that walking across the country to meet people and spread her message of equality was the best way she could answer the call.

Zola has lived in Chicago for 5 years. She says something called her to move to the city and work in Black communities.

“They were wondering, who is this 71-year-old white woman, who is she?” said Zola.

She says working with and hearing the stories of Black people motivated her to do whatever she could to advocate for racial justice.

“I’m a white person, and I’m supposed to use my body, not just my voice. I’m supposed to use this white body and just express this idea that we can’t wait any longer,” Zola said.

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