Rust College president serves as race marshal at 19th Annual Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance 5K Run/Walk
JANS – Rust College President Dr. Johnny M. Moore recently joined HBCU leaders, alumni, students, supporters, and community partners at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The occasion was the 19th Annual Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance 5K Run/Walk. This event raised scholarship funds for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
More than 4,000 runners and walkers participated in the annual event, which raised approximately $150,000 for scholarships, including support for books and other school-related expenses for HBCU students this fall, according to Dan Ford, president of the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance.
Rust College was among 65 HBCUs represented at the event. Dr. Moore, the 13th president of Rust College, served as one of the race marshals, joining other distinguished leaders including Dr. Yolanda W. Paige, president of Stillman College, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who represents Georgia’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The event also included participation from Dr. Richard Scott, president of Albany State University, further demonstrating the strong support and collaboration among HBCU leaders.
“As a proud HBCU alumnus and the 13th president of Rust College, Mississippi’s oldest historically Black college, it was an honor to serve as a race marshal at this historic event,” said Dr. Moore. “HBCUs have transformed countless lives, including mine, and it was a privilege to support an initiative that celebrates their enduring legacy, excellence, and impact. The energy at Piedmont Park was inspiring, and Rust College was proud to stand with the broader HBCU community in support of scholarship, health, wellness, and student success.”
The Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club had a strong presence at the event, representing the Bearcat family with pride and enthusiasm. The club has been an active member of the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance for several years, helping promote Rust College and recruit high school students interested in attending the institution.
“A special thank you goes to the Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club for showing up and representing Rust College so well,” Dr. Moore said. “Their commitment to our institution and to the students we serve was evident throughout the event. Rust College was definitely in the house.”
In addition to participating in the annual 5K Run/Walk, members of the Atlanta Rust College Alumni Club have represented the College at major community and athletic events, including Atlanta Hawks HBCU Night at State Farm Arena, Atlanta Braves HBCU Night at Truist Park, and the HBCU Swingman Classic during Major League Baseball All-Star Week in Atlanta.
The Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance currently has a presence in Atlanta, Chicago, and Philadelphia and continues to bring together HBCU alumni and supporters to raise funds, increase awareness, and strengthen pathways for students pursuing higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Next year’s Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2027, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance, visit www.hbcualumniatlanta.org.
