A cross-section of North Carolinians and progressives from other states flooded downtown Raleigh on Saturday as part of HKonJ 2014. Longtime activists from across the state walked with college students, parents pushed young children in strollers, old friends renewed acquaintances, and new relationships were forged.
The day began with an interfaith Service of Repentance and Consecration, organized by the Council for lay leaders and clergy. About 50 people gathered in front of the General Assembly Building before heading to Shaw University to take part in Shabbat services conducted by area Jewish leaders and for other activities in advance of the march. Go here to read the Litany for Justice, written and led by Rev. Julie Peeples, and the Affirmation of Commitment, led by Rev. Ismael Ruiz-Millan.
The march itself started at 10:30 with crowds so large that those at the end of the procession did not start walking for an hour as marchers converging from side streets moved forward ahead of them. Participants gathered at the end of the march to hear words from NAACP NC president Rev. Dr. William Barber, which were projected on three large screens on Fayetteville Street.
The Council will upload pictures and videos over the coming days.
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