MONROE – This city is a little more united than it was two days ago.
About 30 people got together Sunday to march for racial unity and were joined by about 20 more, and then they all enjoyed a picnic in the park by the river.
Kevin Nortz / The Herald
The racially diverse group laughed, joked, munched on snacks and listened to live music in the sun on the first-ever Race Unity Day in Monroe.
“I just want a safe, united community for my kids to grow up in,” said Quinn Hollan, who organized the rally.
Hollan, who is white, recalled an incident last year in which a white boy was charged with harassment after waving a noose at a black classmate.
“I don’t want my daughter to have to deal with that when she gets to high school,” Hollan said. Cassidy, 11, joined the march with her.
The walk began shortly after 2 p.m. at the Monroe Eagles Hall and continued a half-mile south to Lewis Street Park. Some of the marchers carried signs that read, “Justice Begins at Home,” with a photo of the late civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Right now our main focus is to get united,” said resident Sonia Melgoca.
Several people joined the marchers on their walk, and people who drove by honked and waved, said Monroe Mayor Donnetta Walser, who participated.
“It was very positive,” Walser said.
The mayor issued a proclamation declaring Sunday Race Unity Day in Monroe.
“I just think it’s exciting because it’s a community-based celebration. It came from the community, it didn’t come from the school district or the city,” Walser said.
Hollan organized the event in three weeks, said Therese Quinn, dignity and diversity director for the Everett-based Interfaith Association of Snohomish County. The association, along with the Monroe chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, provided help with publicity, but Hollan did most of the work herself, those present said. She also put up $300 for permits, insurance and refreshments.
Hollan is a member of the Baha’i faith. Race Unity Day is a Baha’i observation that started in 1957, but is not a religious event. The Baha’is of Everett also hosted a potluck picnic Sunday.
The Monroe event is a continuation of the unity displayed following the noose incident last September, according to Catherine Collins, parent of a Monroe High student.
“People started getting really involved after that,” she said.
Racial name-calling incidents have taken place at schools, said Monroe High School parent Kendra Mosley. But students at the high school have been working to counteract racism with activities such as forming a hip-hop dance team nicknamed “Diversity,” said Jessica Duenas, Mosley’s daughter.
“From the beginning of the year we’ve gotten our school together a lot, it really has changed,” said Duenas, 17, who is of black and Hispanic ethnicities.
During the picnic, Hollan and Quinn were discussing having another Race Unity Day next year.
“We can eliminate hate in the community, and do it in a way that’s fun and festive,” Collins said. “It’s a start.”
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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