LEWISTON – One year after leading thousands to march for peace, a coalition of local groups wants to gather for a celebration of community, diversity and justice.

They have planned a film festival, workshops, discussions and concerts, all aimed at teaching people about their neighbors and encouraging understanding, said Tracy Gregoire, events coordinator for the Many and One Coalition.

“We’re not picking on Lewiston-Auburn,” Gregoire said. “Every community is dealing with these issues.”

The group was born out of problems here that were covered by news organizations around the world.

After Mayor Larry Raymond wrote a letter asking Somalis to stop moving here, tension grew between the city’s immigrants and locals. Last Jan. 11, a hate group rallied in Lewiston, drawing about 30 supporters.

Many and One’s peace rally, held on the same day drew, more than 3,000 people.

It was a proud moment for the group, Gregoire said Wednesday.

“(But) I think we’re moving on from what happened here last year,” she said. “This is not just about Somalis.”

The group announced next month’s event in a press conference at the B Street Community Center in Lewiston.

Many and One hopes to tap some of last year’s volunteers to help on the January project.

The group maintains a database of more than 1,400 people who offered to lend a hand.

Members of Many and One include the Lewiston-Auburn Interfaith Council, the Maine Civil Liberties Union, the Maine People’s Alliance and Maine Rural Workers Coalition. Native-American, African-American, Franco-American, Togolese and Somali groups will all be part of the events.

Further details were sketchy, though. Organizers hope to firm up the schedule by the end of the week.

Some things are certain, though. The celebration is scheduled to begin on Jan. 10, with opening ceremonies at the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center.

Over the following nine days, there will be a community health forum, a video and supper at the Trinity Episcopal Church and a quadriplegic rugby demonstration.

[email protected]