ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Creating unity in the Rockford community is just one of the goals of Saturday’s Unity Fest, which drew hundreds of people to Levings Park.
Three local organizations created this event. It started as a picnic but now has a hugely growing impact and allows people to build connections with each other.
The event included a walking parade, a luncheon, performances on the new stage at Levings Lake, activities for children and a tent where people could register to vote if they had not already done so.
“The Rockford community is one and we are united,” says Jordan McDonald, culture and engagement manager for the Rockford Park District.
That’s the goal of Saturday’s Unity Fest, organized by the Rockford branch of the NAACP, Eliminate Racism 815 and the Rockford Park District.
“One of the most important things for unity and bringing people together for a common goal is building relationships,” McDonald says. “So if we create the space for that, it really makes the difference in creating a more inclusive city.”
This year, organizers went one step further to encourage the entire Rockford community to participate in Unity Fest.
“We’re just taking the opportunity to expand it a little bit. As far as I know, last year there were between 100 and 200 people there. But this year there were probably at least 400 participants,” says McDonald.
Dick and Ann Rundall created Unity Fest with a vision to eliminate racism that exists in many cities, including Rockford.
“The problems I’ve seen in Rockford are that we work in silos and sometimes compete against each other,” explains Ann Rundall, co-founder of Eliminate Racism 815. “If we don’t know each other, if we can’t play together and have fun, we’re not going to get much done.”
George Scott, president of the Rockford NAACP, says it’s not only important for organizations to come together, but for the community to do the same.
“The most important thing is that we get along. I’ve seen a lot of people talking to each other that you wouldn’t normally see talking to each other, and the kids are playing together. So that’s very important,” Scott explains.
Scott says the three organizations will work together and partner with other organizations to create a stronger community and make next year’s event even bigger.
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