7 Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry

This book inspires children and adults to do their part in serving others for the common good. Dick Gregory’s personal story, as told by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory, is a triumph motivated by a tragedy. The illustrations are wonderfully expressive; the text is thought-provoking and insightful.

Fifty years ago, as a young man, Dick Gregory realized young children in the United States were going to bed hungry every night. Stomachs grumbled, children prayed, and refrigerators remained empty. His own experience moved Gregory to take off running as a means of combatting poverty. Gregory was only one person, but he wanted to do his part in promoting justice, helping families, and bringing the global problem of hunger “before the masses.”

His coast-to-coast journey from Los Angeles to New York on foot would inspire people toward compassion; they would be motivated to give their food, their time, and their money. His course would cover 3,200 miles, 11 different states, over 1,000 hours, and 7 million steps. Along the way, Gregory would gain the attention of journalists, TV personalities, and people from all walks of life. While speaking to others, Gregory would remember hungry children by eating very little himself. He would run from state to state, mile after mile, while mostly consuming just water, fruit juice, and vitamins.

Many times, community members would join Gregory in his quest to highlight hunger, and other times the road would prove to be lonely and long.

This story is intended for elementary school children. They can read it on their own or share it with their family members. The author notes on the final page of the text talk about purpose, God-given abilities, and making the world a better place for all of us. Most children will never embark on a journey like Dick Gregory had during his run, but they can consider what it takes to be an advocate for change in a hurting world. (Amistad)