Rachelle Zola is an ally who is walking to bring attention to racial inequality.

Meet Rachelle Zola, a 76-year-old woman from Chicago who is on a mission to make a difference in America's fight for racial equality. She has set out on a 750-mile journey from her home in Chicago to Montgomery, Alabama to raise awareness and take action in the fight against racism.
According to a report by WIAT Birmingham, Zola was inspired to take action after having meaningful conversations with Black individuals in her community. "As a white person, I feel it's my duty to use my body, not just my voice. I want to use this privilege and stand up for what's right," Zola shared with the outlet.
But Zola's journey isn't just about walking. Along the way, she will also be performing her one-woman show, "Late: A Love Story," which she has used as a platform to connect with and discuss racial inequality with hundreds of people. The play, co-written by Zola and Emily Bragg and directed by Melissa Lorraine, shares personal stories of vulnerability and sheds light on the Black community in Chicago.
"In this performance, Rachelle courageously shares her own story as a 75-year-old white woman coming to terms with racism in America, and it seamlessly transitions into the stories of ten of her friends who have been impacted by the devastating effects of our country's past," according to Theatre Y.
Zola plans to reach Montgomery by October and will be performing her show in Birmingham on August 25th. But for her, this journey is just the beginning. "I'm not stopping here. I don't know what the future holds, but I know there is more work to be done," Zola expressed to WIAT.
Back in March, Zola spoke to ABC 7 and shared her realization that silence is a form of violence during the Black Lives Matter protests. "The signs say 'Silence is violence.' And I didn't even realize that I was being silent. I never took the time to think about their lives, their experiences, the pain and trauma they face every day," she said.
Zola understands that not everyone will be welcoming of her message and journey, but she is determined to share her story and spark important conversations. "I expect there will be moments where people ask me to just keep walking quietly. But I am asking them, are they willing to listen to another story? I want to reach out to them and remind them that we are all part of the human race," Zola stated.
The tragic death of Jordan Neely has shed light on the long history of disregard for Black lives in America. And with brave individuals like Rachelle Zola taking a stand and using their voices, we can only hope for a better and more equal future for all.

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