Unity in Community 5K continues to build bonds

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Houston County Branch’s Unity in Community 5K run/walk brought together approximately 50 citizens, local leaders and law enforcement officers early Saturday morning at Delores Toliver Park on Wallace Drive in Warner Robins.

Also, the fun continued late that morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the organization hosting their annual fun festival. Local children and adults enjoyed free food, clothes and school giveaways. The children also got an opportunity to enjoy a water slide, bouncers and music by DJ David Mathis. More than 200 adults and children were served, said the Rev. Rutha Jackson, president of the local branch and pastor of Grace Temple Ministry.

Thrilled with the outcome, Jackson said they also had vendors on site and great sponsorship from partners such as Robins Air Force Base and the Deloris Toliver crew.

By hosting the Unity in Community event, she said the more they can break down some of the walls, the better it will get.

Jackson said they host the annual event every year in a different neighborhood to give more exposure. They chose Deloris Toliver Park this year because she said, “We need to shine a light on this area.”

“There is a lot of good coming out of here,” Jackson said.

Those who participated in Saturday morning’s 5K said they enjoyed it and the community coming together.

“I think it’s great to come out and run with the community representing the sheriff’s office and showing fitness and fellowshipping with other citizens,” said Houston County Deputy Henry Lawrence, who placed second in his age category (young adult). “We need more of these event to try to get people together instead of trying to divide us.”

DeShonna Woodard of Warner Robins also agreed that she was excited to be a part of the event. She placed first in her age category (young adult).

Houston County Sgt. James Spivey, who participated in the run with his two children, Jaden, 12, and Mya, 16, and placed third in his age category (young adult), said it’s important that his children have an understanding of what community means and what events like this mean to them as individuals. Jaden and Mya, who placed first and second, respectively, in their age category (youth), agreed that it was a great experience and that their father is a great role model.

In support of the event, Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms attended and said, “Any effort that we can do to bring about real unity in the community is certainly worth the effort. I’m grateful to the Houston County Branch of the NAACP, law enforcement and Rep. Shaw Blackmon. Everybody is working together to try to make a difference. The event is great, but I think the intent behind the event is what makes it so awesome because we’re trying to make a difference.”

Rep. Shaw Blackmon, who placed first in his age category (adult), said, “I am grateful to live in a community that celebrates unity, especially in support of our local law enforcement. I appreciate Rev. Jackson’s initiative and passion to bring people together. It was a real privilege to participate in this event and a pleasure to take part in the fellowship.”

HHJ News