Saturday, January 31, 2009

Mesa Encourages Participation In The Regional Unity Walk and Diversity Festival

It is a walk in celebration of cultural diversity and community. The City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board encourages you to get your walking shoes ready to hit the streets at the Regional Unity Walk and Diversity Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7th. Mesa is joining Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona State University and host city Tempe as they “Walk for Unity in our Community.”

“The City of Mesa’s Human Relations Advisory Board encourages every Mesa resident to join us in the simple act of people coming together, putting aside their differences in a dramatic display of unity to make a powerful statement against intolerance,” Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board Chair Terry Benelli said.

Families, communities, scout groups, school clubs and church groups are encouraged to participate in the one-mile walk that begins at two different locations and culminates at the Tempe Art Park for a day of celebrating unity. Mesa participants will gather at ASU Lot 59 by 10 am with the walk beginning at 10:30 am. Walkers are encouraged to carry flags, signs or banners announcing their group’s identity and proclaiming the Valley’s diversity. Each walker receives a free T-shirt, with the color of the shirt corresponding to the city they reside in.

A festival will begin as walkers arrive with a welcome by dignitaries, entertainment and food. For more information on the Regional Unity Walk and Diversity Festival, contact Mesa Director of Diversity and Neighborhood Outreach Mary Berumen at (480) 644-5033.