March planned to honor Unity

Wilson County residents will march in Unity on Saturday.

The third annual Commemorative Unity March will honor Wilson County’s civil rights leaders and activists, Lebanon sanitation workers and all Wilson County clergy.

“Last year, we had probably more than 125, 130 people [attend the event],” said Mary Harris, president of the Wilson County Black History League and an event organizer.

The Unity March, which is organized by the Roy Bailey African American History Center and Museum, pays homage to the 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech advocating racial harmony.

“Each year, we have acknowledged our civil rights activists in Wilson County,” said Harris.

The Unity March will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cedars of Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church – former headquarters of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Taskforce.

The route for the march will include C.L. Manier Street, McGregor Street, Highway 70, East Main Street at the Square and continue back to Pickett Rucker United Methodist Church.

“With the march, we’re going to have symbols – such as balloons – at those places that were vibrant parts of the African-American community,” said Harris.

A few of the places highlighted will include Bruce’s Dairy Dip, Joe Hastings Restaurant, Marvin Head Sweet Shop, Freddie Glover’s Beauty Shop and Wilson County High School, which closed in 1969.

“Young people will know that Market Street was a hub for the community at that time,” said Harris.

Immediately after the march, attendees can join the celebrants for a brunch at the Pickett Rucker Hope Center at 633 Glover St.

The $10 suggested donation for the brunch will go toward operating costs for the Roy Bailey Museum and the Pickett Chapel restoration project.