Unity in the Community
By: Jessica Schaer
Updated: February 24, 2013
JOPLIN -- Hundreds of people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds filled the chapel at Ozark Christian College for "Unity in the Community." The two hour long program featured music historical presentations and speeches from members of five different congregations. Mayor Melody Colbert-Kean also presented a plaque to the daughter of 1960's civil rights leaders Duncan and Laura Brown. The event is a first for Joplin and was created to bring community members closer together.
"It's about the church of Joplin recognizing that we need to come together more, across all the lines that society draws, whether it's generational, socio-economic, or, specifically today, ethnic line," says Travis Hurley of Ozark Christian College.
"This may be the offshoot of something a lot bigger than that," says Samuel Nero of Shiloh Baptist Church. "We're looking for all participation from all walks of life, all ethnic groups and all different denominations, because we believe that Christ that we believe in believes in oneness. And that's what we're trying to bring is oneness."
Organizers plan to expand and continue Unity in the Community for many years.
"It's about the church of Joplin recognizing that we need to come together more, across all the lines that society draws, whether it's generational, socio-economic, or, specifically today, ethnic line," says Travis Hurley of Ozark Christian College.
"This may be the offshoot of something a lot bigger than that," says Samuel Nero of Shiloh Baptist Church. "We're looking for all participation from all walks of life, all ethnic groups and all different denominations, because we believe that Christ that we believe in believes in oneness. And that's what we're trying to bring is oneness."
Organizers plan to expand and continue Unity in the Community for many years.
