SHREVEPORT, La. — Music, food and fellowship filled A.B. Palmer Park on Sunday as residents gathered for the first-ever "Unity in the Community" event, an effort aimed at promoting peace and strengthening connections in Shreveport's Cedar Grove neighborhood.
Hosted by Unity of Faith Baptist Church, the event featured music, local vendors, refreshments and family-friendly activities designed to bring neighbors together.
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Organizers said the event was prompted by the April 19 mass shooting in Cedar Grove, which left the community searching for ways to heal and reconnect.
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"I think the name kind of says what our whole purpose was, which was to try to create some type of unity within the Cedar Grove community," said Brian Wilson, pastor of Unity of Faith Baptist Church. "Also, kind of just rally around some of the things that have happened — tragedies especially within our community — and try to come out as a family."
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Wilson said music played a central role in creating a welcoming atmosphere
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"Music is like a mood changer," he said. "It does something for us, for our community. It kind of rallies us."
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Attendees said events like Sunday's help foster a stronger sense of community while encouraging neighbors to support one another.
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"If we do more showing up and everything like that, I think the community will be better," attendee Jason Villalba said. "More togetherness and everything like that. Try to get rid of some crime around here, but I think it will be much better."
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Nathaniel Walker said he believes opportunities for people to gather are especially important.
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"I love seeing the community come together," Walker said. "Louisiana as a whole, I feel like we are so divided in the worst way possible. So when we do have the opportunity to come together, it's always harmony. It's always the best thing in the world."
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Organizers hope to make "Unity in the Community" an annual event, continuing to provide a space for residents to come together through fellowship, music and positive engagement.
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