Many and One kicks off its 10-day event with an opening celebration.
LEWISTON – The fear level has dropped, and so have the temperatures.
One year after 5,000 people gathered in Lewiston to support peace, about one-tenth as many turned out for the opening ceremonies of the Many and One Coalition’s 10-day celebration of community, diversity and justice.
However, organizers and volunteers said they were pleased with the number of people who came despite the bitter cold. They gave up counting after 250 people came. As many as 500 may have attended.
“I am thankful for all them,” said Tracy Gregoire, who never expected the crowds of last year, when people were gathering in opposition to a hate group’s rally.
“There is still fear in the community,” Gregoire said. “There is still discrimination and prejudice. It’s not just here. It’s everywhere.”
Held at Lewiston’s Multi-Purpose Center, the celebration began Saturday with speeches by the mayors of Lewiston and Auburn, Lionel and Normand Guay.
Drummers from the Penobscot Nation played. Native American elders, Many and One founder Mark Schlotterbeck and a representative of the local Somali community lit a candle together, to signify their union.
“We are all one in spirit,” said Eddie Grey Fox, who coordinated the tribal observances.
“This is not about numbers,” said former Mayor John Jenkins. “It’s about creating an opportunity for unity.”
Jenkins, who hosted last year’s peace rally, hosted again. And the fear is still here, he said.
“It has not removed, but it has diminished,” said Jenkins.
Folks won’t walk out of this event or the others from the 10-day celebration as changed people, he said. But their best instincts will be strengthened.
He imagined ripples of good will spreading across communities. Many and One will help, he said.
By nighttime Saturday, about 50 people remained to listen to performers including the Somali poet, Jawal, and a five-person a cappella group, Referendum, who doo-wopped to the tune of “Runaround Sue.”
Gregoire believes there will be more such events like Saturday’s, including another next year, she said.
Many and One plans to make itself an official nonprofit group in the next few months. And she’ll have to find another place to hold large gatherings. At its height Saturday, the multi-purpose center and all its classrooms were too small.
“We’ve outgrown this space already,” she said.
for info box:
Many and One Coalition
Schedule of Events for Sunday, Jan. 11
“Health Care 911,” How to get health care and fix Maine’s health care system, 2 to 4 p.m., Multi-Purpose Center, sponsored by the Maine People’s Alliance.
“Power of Race Unity,” video and discussion, 7 p.m., B Street Community Center, 57 Birch St., sponsored by the Baha’i Community.
“American History X,” Rated R, film and discussion, 7 p.m., Mays Center, Bates College (corner of Russell Street and Central Avenue).
On the Web:
For more information, see www.manyandone.org or call 740-0212.
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