The phrase “love wins” resonated with members of the Fannin County community as the Fannin County Democratic Women, along with local residents and visitors, expressed their desire for equality for all during a “Silent Rally for Respect, Peace, and an Equitable Future for All” at the downtown Blue Ridge park Monday, July 6.
“Black Lives do matter, and prejudices and bias against those who hold different values and lifestyles are far too prevalent,” Dr. Kathleen Thompson said before the event. “This is an opportunity to express your objections and hopes in a positive way.”
The event functioned as an art show, and calls for justice and equality were seen through multiple mediums, including painted canvases, the written word, collages and more.
Those who wished had the opportunity to browse and study artwork at the rally from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The artwork hung from a small makeshift fence in the city park as rally attendees perused each piece.
One piece read, “I am a social activist because I am required to be so by my Lord and the Bible,” before quoting Proverbs 31:8-9, Galatians 6:1-3 and other verses from the Bible.
Another piece referenced Lucy Larcom’s “Plant a Tree” poem and delivered the messages, “We are not free until all of us are FREE,” and “Only one who has suffered the sorrow you have can really understand how deep it can hurt. I know the torture and sorrow you are suffering deep down as you kept yourself composed during the whole ordeal.”
Others called for the support of black artists, remembering the names of black citizens who have died and a look back at history.
One piece, crafted by Adia, simply read, “Love wins” with a variety of different colored hands reaching out.
One of the event’s organizers, Kathy Smyth, described the event as successful with positive responses from those who attended.