Group prepares to celebrate diversity with a March for Unity and concert

Sparta - “We are a group of concerned citizens who have come together in fellowship to ensure our rights to embrace our differences, to love one another, and to celebrate the one undeniable truth which is a challenge to world harmony: that all humans are different, and that is what makes living so invigorating, so worthwhile, so spiritual, so vital…” That is a portion of a mission statement designed by the group Unity in Diversity, started by Sparta High School junior Hannah Lowery and her father Andrew, who is an English teacher. The group is comprised of students who want to advocate greater acceptance of diversity in the schools, community, and the world at large. “Hannah and I hatched the idea together,” said Andrew. “We’ve both been concerned about the lack of tolerance or acceptance for various groups, individuals, ideals, races, etc.” The Lowerys acknowledge the fact that Sparta is not a diverse community, but believe the different layers of multi-cultural differences that are present, whether it is religion, politics, economics, sex, race, are enough reasons to have a diversity group. “Students who are leaving Sparta and moving on to college and other such endeavors are in for a shock when they waltz into a world full of diversity,” said Andrew. “We hope to offer a positive message that celebrates our differences.” The group hopes to deliver its message of tolerance through a language common to all backgrounds: music. “Music enjoys far more tolerance for its various styles,” he said. “We decided that a concert is the perfect venue to promote this concept. No finger pointing or lectures from authority figures, just a night of music and enlightenment.” The group’s inaugural event is a concert scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at the Sparta High School auditorium. The concert will feature performances by teachers, students and area professionals including: Dr. Smith, Timbreline Pass. Before the show, at 6:30 p.m., the group has planned a March for Unity that will make its way from the high school’s parking lot, winding through Station Park, continuing down to Main Street, and returning to the school on the same route. The group encourages all citizens to take part in the march and to come out to enjoy the show. “This is a community endeavor, and all are welcome,” said Andrew.