Unity Day observed at H.V. Griffin Park

Sunday, June 14, 2009
By Mary Reeves

Ruth Wendling, left, sings about variety while Kati O'Grady backs her up on banjo at the Race Unity Day picnic Saturday at H.V. Griffin Park.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)
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Ruth Wendling was singing, and Kati O'Grady was accompanying her on the banjo while folks around them ate fried chicken and tamales, played horseshoes and bocce. The song Ruth was singing summed it all up.

"V-A-R-I-E-T-Y spices up our day.

When we get together

the world will be a better

place to stay."

The event was the fourth Race Unity Day picnic sponsored by the Baha'i community Saturday at H.V. Griffin Park. The Baha'i faith is based on the premise that "humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society," according to the religion's official web site.

"Race Unity Day is an internationally-recognized holiday," said one of the picnic organizers, Dr. Navid Monajjem. "It's especially important here in Bedford County, considering the racial diversity."

Musicians provided a background for the picnic, which was largely covered dish and offered meals from many different cultures. The music was also diverse, with members of the Baha'i stepping forward and joining occasionally. Spanish songs, bluegrass, country ... the theme they all held in common was unity.

"This is our way to bring people from different backgrounds together in fellowship," said Bill Geissler, another of the event's coordinators. "It celebrates the oneness of mankind. It gives people a chance to get to know one another."

Children played bocce on one side of the picnic pavilion -- black, white, Hispanic, Asian. On the other side, men of different races and cultures came together for a game of horseshoes. Anyone wandering by the pavilion was swept along to the food tables and encourage to eat, enjoy and join in.

"Every year, more and more show up," said Monajjem.

On the web

www.bahai.org

www.raceunitydaysa.com

Comments

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Hmm, tell that to the Muslims. See how tolerant they are regarding variety and/or diversity and acceptance.

Just my stupid country boy Mississippi thoughts.

-- Posted by Brett Favre on Sun, Jun 14, 2009, at 4:10 PM

If you are talking about the extremists who represent maybe 5-10% of the (1 billion) Muslim population, then yeah.. but luckily the vast majority are perfectly awesome people, and they have an advantage, they live in the same continent Jesus did, and we don't :)

-- Posted by nascarfanatic on Mon, Jun 15, 2009, at 6:53 PM

Is it just me or do we never find out about these things until after the event has taken place. Doesn't really sound like unity if you need a written invite.........

-- Posted by MSK on Tue, Jun 16, 2009, at 10:37 AM

Response by John Carney:

We had the event in our community calendar in advance. I am almost certain it was in the calendar of events here on the web site as well.