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People of various ages and races made the journey in chilly temperatures in the mid-30s, some carrying signs that read “Less talk, more action” and “March against the madness” and committed to making the community better.
Youth committee chair Dorian Hunter wanted an activity with an environment of love and positivity, and this met the vision as well as being a tribute to leaders such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi.
“This community can be viewed negatively,” said Hunter, a senior at Wittenberg University. “I grew up in Springfield and seen friends pass away. This is something unified to celebrate nonviolence and stand up.”
Bailey Clingman, the committee co-chair, also grew up here and works as a police officer in St. Paris. He’s seen both respect and disrespect through his work and this was a way to come together as one.
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Preschool age Nyiri Muhammad was bundled up and carried a sign against gun violence, and Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland also supported the event.
Clark State student Tyler Bowshier was interested in becoming more involved in the community and getting a wider perspective, and this was a good start.
The range of people and the initiative shown by the youth committee pleased Springfield NAACP president Denise Williams, she said.
“We needed our young people to go out and find folks, and they stepped up,” she said. “What our community needs is nonviolence, and I’m so proud they did this.”
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Williams also emphasized the walk was also to show dedication to the Muslim community. Although there wasn’t any particular reason to set the walk on this date, it proved timely in light of the shootings at a New Zealand mosque on Friday.
“We’re not walking in front of or behind them, we’re walking with them,” said Williams. “We’re promoting diversity. This is powerful.”
Local police and sheriff’s departments also supported the walk by escorting the participants until arriving at the downtown office.
Hunter said this won’t be a one-off event, and there will be future peace walks, hopefully with even more nonviolent days in the future to recognize.
For more information on the NAACP Springfield’s future events and mission, go online to www.naacpspringfieldohio.com.
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