MANSFIELD, Ohio — The sun was shining and shoe laces were tight on Saturday, a good sign for the Unity in the Community Rally and March’s readiness to stand up, walk, and speak out against violence.
Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon estimated around 400-500 individuals participated in the march to Johns Park. Community members, organization leaders and city representatives met at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Mansfield; and by 1 p.m., they were ready to walk to Johns Park.
Participants in the march included Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker, City Council Member Don Bryant, Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Brian Garverick, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag, Mansfield Police Chief Ken Coontz, Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon, Prosecutor Bambi Couch-Page, pastors of numerous churches, church-goers, and community members. Many of the participants were members of the Mend Mansfield Coalition.
Before the crowd departed for Johns Park, Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page noted the significance of the rally. “Those members in the community that are promoting the violence and using the violence believe they can hide in the community and the community will allow them to do that. And this is saying we’re not going to do that anymore,” she said.
The march started on Surrey Road next to Mount Calvary’s parking lot with a Mansfield Fire Department engine, three Mansfield police vehicles in the front and the back, and Mansfield police department bicycle patrol officers pedaling alongside. Marchers made a right onto Springmill Street and marched to Bowman, where they took another right, headed for Johns Park.
In Johns Park, the crowd gathered on the basketball courts. WMFD’s Brigette Cole invited certain community members to speak with a megaphone.Those who spoke included Richland County Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page, Mansfield Board of Education President Renda Cline, Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Brian Garverick, and several others.
“God knew we had work to do today so He turned off the spicket,” said Garverick for his opening remark. Working in the schools, Garverick said he sees the importance in children having a positive influence in their lives. “The number one influence in a child’s life is a positive, caring adult,” he said.
Mayor Tim Theaker shared some words as well. “This is a humbling experience to see everybody here. This shows unity. It shows those individuals in our community that want to threaten us, that we won’t stand for it anymore.
“We will be unified against crime,” said Theaker.
Reverend Dr. Derek J. Williams of Mount Calvary Church also shared some remarks.
“This is a very emotional day. Violence affects us no matter where we live, no matter what background you come from. The fact of the matter is, it takes all of us to have a caring heart to share. And it takes all of us from the community to be united,” said Williams.
He continued, “When God is in the plan, no matter what you go through, God will make it all right. And this is a rainbow of a celebration today that Mansfield will be the best city this side of heaven because concerned citizens have come together to put philosophical differences aside, and to put political aspirations aside, to make our communities the best in this entire nation.”
The Mend Mansfield Coalition plans on having another rally and march in August. Cole, one of the facilitators for the coalition, encouraged others to take part in the planning process. Contact Kizzy Williams of the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) at 419-525-3101 for more information.
