[metaslider id=”8039″]
A Unity Walk took place in Covington on Sunday, June 14.
It was a peaceful event to show solidarity with the national movement following the death of George Floyd last month.
“We are bringing awareness to social justice, police brutality, racism and, most importantly, equality,” said Queisha Harris, one of the event’s organizers.
Harris said the walk was organized with a purpose.
“This is going to be peaceful, non-violent, but very, very meaningful to show that all people can come together as one. We are uniting everyone, all men and women. We want everyone to come take a walk with Jay Henning, Donnell Logan and Matthew Pryor,” she said. “This one spark️ can enlighten our whole community! The change begins with you!”
The event began in the parking lot at Crumpy’s Hot Wings, located at Hwy. 51 and Peeler Avenue, and took participants south along Hwy. 51, North Main Street, around the west side of the square, from South Main Street west on Sherrod Avenue, then northbound on Hwy. 51 after a short break to rest. The group walked to West Ripley Avenue, then took North College Street to Frazier Park.
It was the largest demonstration in decades.
Police officers escorted participants along the three-mile route and blocked traffic. Along the route there were several water stations and even popsicles.
“Through partnerships we can have success and when there are things that need to be brought to the attention of the public they can be done in a peaceful manner,” said Covington Police Chief Larry Lindsey. “You can still get your point across the way that the leaders of this walk did – we were able to keep everybody safe, they were very appreciative and very thankful and we just love the fact that it turned out as well as it did and we were able to support this cause.”
Tami Sawyer, the Shelby County Commissioner with ties to Tipton County, was at Frazier Park when the walk ended. She spoke to the crowd and encouraged them to continue fighting for social justice.
There were food vendors on hand as well as groups registering voters.
Leave a Reply