L’Mio Edwards, a freshman at Diamond Bar High School, has been running since the third grade. And now, she is putting her athleticism to use by raising money for her 5KaDar4Food fundraiser, which has earned her the annual Youth Social Justice Award.

Through her fundraiser, Edwards has raised over $10,000 for the New Earth Organization, which provides free groceries each week to individuals who have lost their jobs and cannot afford to feed their families due to COVID-19. 

“It has always been my plan to continue positively [impact] the community. Repeatedly helping out in my community is what helps bring improvement,” Edwards said via Instagram.

Since 1982, the Pomona Inland Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Project has recognized student leaders of all ethnicities in the area and provides scholarship opportunities to address students’ needs in the spirit of MLK’s vision.

“I was pretty excited and honored to receive recognition from my community and the PIVMLK organization,” she said.

Edwards has also received many certificates for her project, most recently earning certificates on behalf of the County of Los Angeles, California State Senate, State Assembly, Congressional Recognition from former U.S. Congressman Gil Cisneros and Senate recognition from former state Senator Ling Ling Chang.

Although she said she does not align herself with any particular political leader, Edwards stays in contact with local, state and national leaders regarding social justice issues, including food distribution, police reform and healthcare.

“Social justice is extremely important and plays a major role in our society. Everyone deserves equal rights, equal job opportunities, and equal access to other necessities,” she said. “Social justice covers all of that and more which is why I’ll continue to work on social justice-related issues.”

Regarding the fundraiser, Edwards said she is considering partnership opportunities with other organizations, though she also hopes to continue being able to balance it with schoolwork and daily life.