Simply Superior, June 18, 2021

2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the Twin Ports darkest day — that of the lynchings in Duluth of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie. Observances planned last year included a call for 10,000 people to gather around the CJM Memorial in Duluth and a speech by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Ala. Last year’s gathering was scrapped due to the pandemic, but Stevenson delivered his postponed speech this week, as scaled-back observances were held on the June 15th anniversary. Hear excerpts of his speech on this edition of “Simply Superior.”

Also on the show, Scott Keenan, the founding and longtime executive director of Grandma’s Marathon, joins host Robin Washington to talk about his just-released book, “My Journey to Grandma’s Marathon – History and Heroes.” He discusses the rise of the race from its first year with a budget of $649.51 and 150 runners to the region’s biggest annual event today. After last year’s postponement due to the pandemic, the race returns this weekend.