The Defiant Run is back.

Selma Youth Development leader Frank Hardy appeared before Selma’s City Council Monday evening, announcing the second annual run to promote unity will be back this September.

“This is all about making Selma look good,” Hardy said. “Last year, we got a very positive review, people came from all over the country.”

The race features teams of blacks and whites, chained together and running in unison for a common goal.

“This race is about healing, we have black Selma and white Selma,” Hardy said. “We share the same problems.

It’s going to take a united effort.”

Hardy presented a banner about the run to the council and asked them to display it in a prominent place.

“I’d like to ask you to adopt this program,” he said. “We’re going to make it happen.”

“It’s a beautiful idea,” councilwoman Nancy Sewell said.

Hardy added that he understood his request was coming towards the end of the fiscal year.

He asked the council for whatever financial support they could offer to defray $2,000 in costs, but he’d prefer the council appear at the event in support.

“Sponsor whatever you can, but more than just that, just be there,” Hardy said.

“I think we need to go on record as supporting it,” council president George Evans added.

The council approved a measure supporting the event and asked Hardy to provide specific costs to the council for financial consideration.