They then marched several blocks from West High Street to S. Center Street and Piqua Place to the Gammon House where Juneteenth and FatherFest activities got underway with food, entertainment, children’s activities, information booths and historical displays and tours of the historic house.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth Celebration and FatherFest
The Peace Walk had the most speakers ever including representatives of Christian, Muslim, Baha’i, Buddhist and Hindu faiths as well as Equality Springfield who spoke about their beliefs with a common desire for peace and unity, many wearing shirts with the slogan “Be Kind.”
“This shows how proud I am of the Springfield community,” said Mayor Warren Copeland. “We’re celebrating diversity here today.”
Kent Brooks, speaking for Equality Springfield, said looking out on the crowd was a reflection of the Creator’s handiwork and the differences are what make us interesting.
Rev. Eli Williams of Urban Light Ministries said it takes more than just walking and preaching about peace, invoking a Jewish word for it.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have Shalom in Springfield? It takes work. So thank you to all of you here for the peacemaking,” said Williams.
Another peaceful greeting, namaste, was used by Dr. Ravi Khanna representing the Hindu community, which proudly wore matching yellow shirts representing their faith.
Muslim community member Sana Ahmed said doing events like this in a small town like Springfield can be an example to larger cities, and peaceful values can be reflected by merely smiling at someone.
“Even the smallest things can bring positive change,” she said.
LOCAL NEWS: OSP helicopter tracks driver who ran into woods after fiery crash on I-70 in Clark County
Brooks concluded the program leading the crowd singing the Civil Rights Movement anthem “We Shall Overcome” as the participants carried signs with various peaceful slogans on the journey to the Gammon House, Springfield’s Underground Railroad site.
The theme “We Are Family: Remembering Jamestown – 400 Years” saw several displays at the house recognizing the anniversary of the first African slaves arriving at Jamestown in 1619 with a timeline, Gammon House history and a special message done by Springfield entertainer John Legend.
“This is a good time to celebrate the Gammon House. We think we have an outstanding program,” said Dale Henry, Gammon House president. “We have exhibits from every period.”
Henry added that more sponsors, volunteers and improved displays make the legacy a lasting experience, hoping others will schedule tours this summer.
Jason Berner and son Jackson of Donnelsville checked out the house for the first time with Jackson still in his uniform following a morning baseball game. As a history buff, Jason was impressed with the Gammon House, also visiting his brother who was working the event.
Visitors checked out information booths with the smell of barbecue and sound live music in the air. One person summed it up by saying it was great to have summer back in the city with this type of fun.
About the Author