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A predominantly Latino running club moved a planned 5K out of Los Angeles' historic Leimert Park after Black community members raised concerns about the event's promotion and organizers' failure to consult neighborhood leaders.
Barrio Athletics, a Los Angeles-based running club with a large Latino membership, planned its 5K for September 6 through Leimert Park, a longtime center of Black culture and business in South Los Angeles. The event was scheduled for the same day as the neighborhood’s Sunday Marketplace, which features Black vendors and businesses.
Some community members objected to the timing and the way the run was promoted, including language about “taking over the streets,” FOX 11 reported. Barrio Athletics ultimately moved the race to Elysian Park.
The controversy escalated on social media, including threats from some people to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Latino runners.
Candace Cache, a TikTok creator who discussed the controversy, said she understood concerns about protecting Black spaces but criticized the hostility directed at Latino people.
“I understand respecting Black spaces,” Cache said. “I just thought the run could be moved to a different date, but saying, like, ‘We don't want y'all here period, at all. We're gonna call ICE on y'all’ ... that's just so fucking hateful.”
A Black Los Angeles resident, Deonna, said in a TikTok video that the controversy should not be viewed as evidence of a lack of unity between Black and Latino communities.
“The problem has nothing to do with unity at all,” Deonna said. “I feel like the proper way to have handled it is contact who you need to contact in that area to find out how can it be a collaborative thing.”
Deonna also condemned the threats to involve ICE, saying, “I don’t condone that and I’m not in agreement with that.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the controversy in a September 3 Facebook post, clarifying that she was not involved in the decision to move the event.
Bass said Leimert Park “holds a special place in the historical and cultural life of Los Angeles,” while emphasizing her belief that Black and Brown communities can work together.
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