Stone County Community Rally

This evening, Stone County residents joined hands in Wiggins in hopes of strengthening the ties and uniting the community. News 25’s Kendra Turley takes us to this evening’s prayer rally at Blaylock Park.
Hand in hand, Stone County residents prayed for peace and guidance after a local high school continues to receive wide-spread attention regarding racist allegations. Prayer rally organizer Mandy Reeves said, “We just want to respond the way Jesus would respond and that’s with unconditional love, forgiveness, unity and not lose that because that’s very important to us here in Wiggins.”
Members of the Mississippi chapter of the NAACP label the racial climate in Wiggins as tense after allegations that white football players at Stone High put a noose around the neck of a black football player and pulled it tight.
The prayer rally at Blaylock Park aimed to shed light in the midst of a dark situation and prevent any racial tension in the community.
A handful of Stone High School students attended the rally in hopes to shatter stereotypes surrounding the county since the incident. Brennan Hull is a teammate of the victim. He said, “Calling Stone County racists and all. It’s not all Stone County. People got to realize that there’s still Christians here and we love everyone.”
Teammates of the victim say he remains in high spirits despite all of the attention. Jordan Turan is a teammate of the victim. He said, “Being with him at football, he shows no emotion. He shows that he’s happy. He shows that he’s fine. He tries not to show the worst of it, but I know it’s hard on him.”
As authorities continue to investigate the allegations, organizers hope the prayer rally shows the victim, the community and the rest of the world that Stone County is an area that stands together, not divided.