Penn College News

Walking the walk

Friday, June 5, 2020

Hundreds of local residents collectively and peacefully added to the national conversation about injustice, race and hateful speech on Friday morning, taking part in a "Walk About It, Be About It" event. The 7.42-mile march traveled from Memorial Park in Williamsport's West End to Montoursville, passing by Penn College to connect with the Susquehanna Riverwalk. Chanting and carrying signs – and drawing supportive honks from motorists – participants set aside politics to focus on the "unity" within "community."


– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor




 

 The line, impressively stretching as far as the eye can see down West Third Street, moves eastward through campus.

The line, impressively stretching as far as the eye can see down West Third Street, moves eastward through campus.

Marchers set the tone with enthusiasm and solidarity.

Marchers set the tone with enthusiasm and solidarity.

Taking a stand, on foot and on wheels

Taking a stand, on foot and on wheels

Elliott, Emma and Carolyn Strickland acknowledge the encouraging beep of automobile horns outside Bardo Gymnasium. The Stricklands - vice president for student affairs and vice president for enrollment management and associate provost, respectively - were just two of the Penn College employees lending their collective voice to the cause.

Elliott, Emma and Carolyn Strickland acknowledge the encouraging beep of automobile horns outside Bardo Gymnasium. The Stricklands - vice president for student affairs and vice president for enrollment management and associate provost, respectively - were just two of the Penn College employees lending their collective voice to the cause.

The procession (estimated to be at least a mile long) winds its way along Maynard Street, passing the college entrance.

The procession (estimated to be at least a mile long) winds its way along Maynard Street, passing the college entrance.

Traveling within view of two neighborhood landmarks, The Trinity Episcopal Church steeple and Penn College's main campus, the entourage moves south.

Traveling within view of two neighborhood landmarks, The Trinity Episcopal Church steeple and Penn College's main campus, the entourage moves south.

Invoking the power of a solitary word

Invoking the power of a solitary word

Many marchers, one voice

Many marchers, one voice

Spreading out ... and spreading their mission of peace

Spreading out ... and spreading their mission of peace

Choosing harmony over hatred

Choosing harmony over hatred

A face mask can't muffle the message from someone speaking up.

A face mask can't muffle the message from someone speaking up.

Amplifying the

Amplifying the "Always be positive" sentiment on her T-shirt, a young marcher confidently declares, "I am the generation of change."

Bridging generations and cultures as it spans Maynard Street, the march celebrates our shared humanity.

Bridging generations and cultures as it spans Maynard Street, the march celebrates our shared humanity.

Walkers match their energy with enlightenment.

Walkers match their energy with enlightenment.

The peaceful protest aligns well with D. Robert Cooley (at center with red bike), associate professor of anthropology/environmental science, whose courseload includes Community and Organizational Change and Service Learning in Sociology.

The peaceful protest aligns well with D. Robert Cooley (at center with red bike), associate professor of anthropology/environmental science, whose courseload includes Community and Organizational Change and Service Learning in Sociology.