On February 23, an unarmed black man named Ahmaud Arbery was jogging in Brunswick, Georgia when he was confronted, shot, and killed. According to a report by the Associated Press, “Gregory McMichael told police that he and his adult son thought the runner matched the description of someone caught on a security camera committing a recent break-in in the neighborhood. They armed themselves with guns before getting in a truck to pursue him.”
No arrests were originally made in the case, and public outrage swelled this week after a video of the incident was shared on social media. Then, on Thursday, the two men involved in the shooting were arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
Arbery would have turned 26 years old today. Supporters were asked to post a message, video, or dedication with the hashtag #IRunwithMaud. Some chose to walk, run, or jog 2.23 miles in his honor. The distance signifies the day that he was killed.
North Carolina teachers have weighed in on social media. Here are a few of the posts they have shared.
Chad Beam is the 2020 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year from Burns High School in Cleveland County Schools. He reached out to EdNC.org to share this Facebook post, which includes a poem he wrote in honor of Arbery. Click “See more” to read the entire post.
Christy Howe, the 2019 Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year, shared this on Twitter.
And Mariah Morris, the 2019 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, shared this post encouraging the educators to show their support.
Below, you’ll find other social media posts from North Carolina educators.