Fourth annual Walk Against Hate returns to Petoskey on Sept. 29

PETOSKEY — For the fourth year, Petoskey residents will take a stand against hate and divisiveness with a Walk Against Hate through downtown.

The walk is set to take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29 starting in Pennsylvania Park, with the procession winding its way through the Gaslight District and ending at the festival shelter in Bayfront Park for live music and refreshments.

“Last year, we had about 150 and we’re hoping to increase that number this year,” said Charlie Willmott, one of the organizers. “It would be great if we had 200 or more, that would be wonderful.”

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Willmott said the walk has grown every year, and this year’s event will feature a performance by the Odawa Women Drummers during the opening ceremony.

The walk is hosted by Northern Michigan Against Hate (NOMIAH) in conjunction with the Anti-Defamation League’s walks against hate that take place around the U.S.

Mayor John Murphy read a proclamation at the Sept. 16 Petoskey City Council meeting declaring Sept. 22-29 as Walk Against Hate Week.

“I find the entire event inspirational,” Willmott said. “To me, it symbolizes how our community is very special and pulls together and stands up for what’s right.”

Willmott added that the event is intended to promote understanding, cooperation and removing hate and divisiveness from our dialogue.

“This is an opportunity for individuals and families and groups to express those sentiments,” he said. “I think it’s just a nice, healthy annual event and I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

For more information about the walks against hate, visit walkagainsthate.org/michigan .

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Fourth annual Walk Against Hate returns to Petoskey on Sept. 29