Kyndal Ray Edwards has reached Richmond on a journey that spans over 11,000 miles. For the past four and a half years, Edwards has walked across the United States to share a message of hope. His mission centers on the simple but powerful phrase YOU MATTER.
The path to this endeavor began during a difficult chapter in his life. After facing struggles with crime, abuse, and depression, Edwards spent a year in county jail. It was there that he read about a man who walked across America, sparking the idea for his own transformation. He worked on his mental, physical, and spiritual health behind bars before choosing to step out and change the direction of his life.
Since starting his trek in 2022, he has crossed 29 state lines. He pushes a cart that displays his message while documenting his movement on social media. His travels took him from the Atlantic Ocean in Florida to the Pacific Ocean in Washington. He now focuses on completing his four-corners route by reaching Maine this October.
Edwards does not claim to change others, but he hopes his actions demonstrate what is possible with a shift in mindset. He creates a space for conversation and encourages individuals to pursue their own positive changes. His future plans include walking 100 miles on every continent to spread his message on a global scale.