A Walk for Unity

Like so many of you, I am angered and disgusted at the actions of the Minneapolis police officers that took the life of George Floyd. There are no words that I, or anyone else, could offer to the Floyd family and victims of racism and violence to express the feelings of sorrow shared by the Sumter community.

Now more than ever before, we are reminded of the challenge to change the racial biases that taint our everyday lives. As Sumterites, let us be the community that rises to that challenge. I am proud of the message we are sending to the world: that individual voices can be heard without the use of violent actions and words. As your mayor and City Council, we stand ready to listen as you demand change.

As a community, it is our responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world. Let our words create the faith in humanity we want to see, let our actions be reflective of racial dignity and we shall see harmony between one another.

I invite you to join myself, City Council, the Sumter Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and ministerial leaders in our walk on Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m. from Grace Baptist Church to the Sumter County Courthouse.

Please join us as we walk together to promote unity. Because Team Sumter doesn’t work without you.

— Joe McElveen