A 76-year-old woman is currently embarking on a remarkable journey across the country to advocate for racial equity.
Rachelle Zola embarks on a 750-mile journey from Chicago to Montgomery, intending to inspire those she encounters along the way.
Zola felt a strong sense of purpose to support Black communities. Being a dedicated walker, she believed that embarking on a cross-country journey to connect with people and promote the message of equality was the most fitting response to this calling.
Zola has been a resident of Chicago for the past five years. According to her, there was an undeniable pull that drew her towards the city and compelled her to dedicate her efforts to working in black communities.
Zola expressed that there was curiosity surrounding the identity of the 71-year-old white woman.
Working with and listening to the stories of black individuals has been a driving force for her, compelling her to take action in advocating for racial justice.
“I’m a white person, and I believe in using my actions, not just my words. It’s important to leverage my privilege and stand up for what’s right,” Zola expressed passionately.
As Zola makes her way across the country, she is captivating audiences with her one-woman show titled “Late: a Love Story.” This remarkable performance has allowed her to engage with numerous individuals during her journey, fostering meaningful and heartfelt discussions.
Zola explained that she is not an actor but rather someone who approached Theatre Y in Chicago with an idea for a play and sought their assistance in developing it.
Zola anticipates arriving in Montgomery by October. She embarked on her journey in April, choosing to reside in an RV as she walked. Typically, she covers 10-mile distances at a time.
