“You can’t spell community without unity.”  Those were the words that both adults and children were chanting on Sunday October 8^th in the 3^rd Annual Unity Walk.  Boyertown Junior High West was the host again for this year’s walk being sponsored by the United Way, Boyertown Area Unity Coalition, Boyertown Schools, and local vendors.

Residents from many different areas began to converge on the school grounds on what turned out to be a beautiful, warm, and sunny day.  Even though the sun was starting to heat things up that afternoon, no one complained.  They were all there to share the same purpose regardless of their ethnicities, skin color, gender, or even breed.  Yes, breed!  Even diversified four legged friends came out with their owners to take a walk to stand up against hatred and bigotry.

The events started at 1:00 p.m. with 107.5 Frank FM, out of Reading, lending some speaker power to play classic rock hits.  The 107.5 Frank FM van was also on display, as well as a moon bounce, face painting, story time, temporary tattoos, various children’s games with prizes, artwork about unity from elementary children was on display in the school halls, and school banners that were signed by students from each of the schools who were there to walk.

Walkers were registered and children enjoyed activities before the 2:00 p.m. ceremony which was led by Mark Fluharty, president of the United Way.  Those scheduled to speak were Dr. Harry Morgan, superintendent of Boyertown School District, and Pauline Garcia of the Anti-Defamation League.  Garcia was there to present Dr. Morgan with a banner honoring Boyertown for being the first school district in Pennsylvania to be designated a “No Place For Hate” school district for 2006-2007.  To date there are 100 schools in Pennsylvania following in Boyertown’s footsteps to also become designated.  In 2005 the Boyertown Junior High West was the first school in the state to be designated after Principal Greg Galtere started the ball rolling against hate crimes.  It all began a couple of years ago when there were racial slurs written on a bathroom wall in the Junior High school and a Gilbertsville family was also targeted with a hate crime when a cross was burned in their yard.

The unity walk began at about 2:15 with what was estimated to be about 2,000 participants as well as their canine companions.  Traffic was halted by police as the walk progressed from the Junior High on Madison and 2^nd streets, across East Philadelphia Avenue to 4^th street, passing in front of the Senior High, then going south on Monroe street and turning east onto 2^nd street and back to the school.  After the walk was completed, there was music on the stage sung by Denise King and volunteers serving chicken bar-b-q that could be purchased at the event.

Many local vendors had tables set up to display literature about their groups including the Girl Scouts who served their famous cookies at their display.  Also present were:  the United Way, Boyertown Rotary Club, Boyertown Community Library, Berks County Community Foundation, Building A Better Boyertown, St. John’s Church, Pine Forge Academy, Good Shepherd UCC Church, NAACP, Anti-Defamation League and others.  The Salvation Army served punch and water for the participants including water for the pets.

So as the Boyertown area and its surrounding communities continue to support these growing annual events, residents hope to put a stop to racial hatred and prejudice and to put the “unity” back into the community.

Posted by Bethanne Reinert on 10/10/06.