Delmarva stands in unity
Making news across our nation recently, racial tensions and concern over police involved violence, but Friday hundreds gathered at Pohanka of Salisbury to send a message of togetherness.
In the mix of people, political leaders, law enforcement, religious leaders and community members standing together and shouting “we stand united!”
A physical display of Delmarva’s unity with the hope of healing our national turmoil.
The racial divide ignited by questions of police brutality and the recent shootings of black men fueled by police officers gunned down in apparent retaliation.
“It’s not about the white race, it’s not about the black race, it’s about the human race, it’s about us all coming together for one common cause. Uniting, because of what’s going on in this country right now,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis.
Those like Ashton Donoway believe Salisbury can set an example for the rest of the country.
“I think we can do something and show everyone that change can happen and it can start here,” Donoway said.
But events like Friday’s beg the question what happens next.
“We’re going to start dialogue right after this to start talking about racism and start talking about prejudice,” said Emmanuel Wesleyan pastor Mark Thompson, “It’s going to take community leaders and again people who really want to do something and not stay in the background shoot rocks and complain.”
Leaders like Salisbury city councilwoman April Jackson, who announced at the event that August 13 at Billie Gene Jackson Park will be a day in the park, a day for the community to come together and talk.
Something that Salisbury Mayor Jake Day supports because talking is what he believes will prevent Salisbury from becoming the next city on national news because of racial riots.
“The way that we’re going to buffer against a community, our community falling apart in the face of a tense moment, or a mistake, or an error, or a tragic moment is by building a stronger community and having those lines of communication right now,” Day said.
