Ocean Springs residents gather to discuss unity and healing

Members of the Ocean Springs community came together this evening for discussions on racial inequality.

Ocean Springs residents from all walks of life gathered and marched to discuss important issues in the wake of recent events. Event Organizer Elizabeth Feder-Hosey said, “There’s conversations about race that aren’t actually happening and racism in our community that aren’t actually happening. I think that we’ve got to come together as a community and acknowledge that it’s here.”

As they moved from Government Street to Freedom Field, attendees of the Unity March and Healing Rally engaged in conversations about racism and the Mississippi state flag while also engaging in voter outreach.  Event Organizer Greg Gipson said, “What we want to do is make sure that everybody has a voice at the table and understand the importance of that we have a cross section of all races, not just one, but all races and have a diverse board down at City Hall as well as our advisory board.”

Ocean Springs Resident Tammy Holloway is encouraged to see so many of her neighbors come together to support each other.  “This is a time that we need to come together, we need to rebuild the community as far as blacks, whites, and all races getting together, because we all have to live together.”

As these conversations continue in the weeks and months ahead, event organizers hope community leaders will be receptive to change. “What I hope is that our city leadership, business leaders in the community, and faith leaders in the community will listen to what is going on and what is being said at these rallies and that they will use their influence to make a positive change in Ocean Springs.”