At the same time the Ku Klux Klan was holding their rally downtown, another rally was being held at Martin Luther King Park: the First Annual Community Unity Day.
This event was organized by the Amarillo Chapter of the NAACP, with help from other local groups, such as Christian Heritage Church and Amarillo National Bank.
Politics were conspicuously absent from the festivities; I felt totally comfortable and welcome as a white conservative Christian. The only exception to this apolitical atmosphere was a small group of half a dozen or so young white folks, sitting on the grass with two signs, both of which read, “Want to talk politics?” Normally, I’m up for a good debate, but on this occasion, I just wanted to enjoy the party. With a broad smile on my face, I responded that this is a day of unity – today there’s no Republican or Democrat, no liberal or conservative, so no thank you.
The overriding theme of the festivities was patriotic and spiritual in nature. The program began with an invocation by a local black pastor, followed by an integrated color guard from the Girl Scouts, and the singing of God Bless America. Speakers included Commissioner Paul Harpole (who was serving as Mayor pro tem, since Mayor McCart was out of town), State Senator Kel Seliger, Amarillo National Bank president Richard Ware, a member of the local Buddhist temple and a young pastor from Dallas who was friends with Brian Denecke. Most of the music was provided by local churches, with one notable exception: Audriana Gutierrez. This talented teenager did a great rendition of the Selena hit Biddy-Biddy-Bum-Bum, as well as a moving a cappella rendition of the National Anthem.
The mood was markedly festive in nature. There was free food and water, as well as dunking pool for the kids. One of the things that really struck me was the older people (both black and white) that attended. Having heard stories of the bad old days of segregation in Amarillo, I couldn’t help but think about what they had lived through, and how far this city has come in the last 50 years or so, although I’m sure there’s still a ways to go. I’m sorry now that I didn’t bring my wife’s digital camera; there were some great visual opportunities.
There was much talk about making this an annual event. I personally hope this happens; there needs to be more of this kind of coming together.