08 Jun 2020 ‘No place for racism’

Posted at 2:06 PMh in Features, News by
City officials, local pastors and university officials at the beginning of the march in Downtown Conway, which ended at Simon Park and was followed by a rally calling for unity and the end of racism.

Story and photo
by Sonja J. Keith

An estimated 500 people participated Sunday in the Conway United for Equality Rally.

Participants gathered at Rogers Plaza on Oak Street in Downtown Conway in 90-plus degree heat and marched to Simon Park.

At the rally, Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry welcomed those in attendance. “Thank you for being at Unite Conway,” he said, recognizing city employees Felicia Rogers, Jamie Brice, Kiera Oluokun and Shawanna Rodgers for their work on the event.

“Let me start by saying there’s no place for racism in the City of Conway,” said the mayor, whose comments were met with applause and cheers from the crowd. “There’s no place for racism anywhere.”

Castleberry recognized that elected officials were in attendance as well as local pastors. “We have mothers, dads, brothers, sisters and families here so I don’t have any doubt that we can unite Conway and make it a better place to live.”

The mayor also thanked local protestors for stepping up and expressing their right to protest. “We support that right and thank you for keeping it peaceful,” he said. “I also want to thank our Conway Police Department for working with the protestors and helping everyone stay peaceful.”

In the keynote address, True Holiness Saints Center Senior Pastor E.C. Maltbia shared his thoughts on racism as they relate to the five stages of grieving. He shared that he had been involved in several recent discussions about racism and had been asked, “What’s going on in America right now?

“America is grieving over George Floyd, but more broadly, we’re grieving over racism in America.”

The stages he outlined were denial/shock, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. “When I looked at the video of Mr. Floyd, I was shocked,” he said.

“Many in our nation are grieving and you are seeing it in their anger,” he said, referring to the second stage.

In the third stage, labeled bargaining, Maltbia said there typically are a lot of unanswered questions. He said some people may have trouble focusing on their work, projects and other things.

The fourth stage is depression, “a place of perpetual sadness,” and the final stage is acceptance. Maltbia explained that with acceptance the death doesn’t hurt any less, but in this stage healing can begin. “Many in America are not quite there yet.”

Maltbia issued several challenges as a response to questions he had fielded about how to address racism. He urged the crowd to let anger motivate them to do something good and worthwhile. He also encouraged the continuation of peaceful protests and the boycotting of businesses that don’t share the same value system.

In another challenge, Maltbia encouraged those gathered to vote for the person, platform and political party that best represents their values. “Don’t be loud on social media and silent at the polls.”

Maltbia also issued a challenge to use social media platforms to expose and call out racism. He also said that it is also important to recognize and acknowledge the hurt, anger and fear that African Americas are feeling, and not be dismissive or offer an excuse. “In my opinion, just saying racism is wrong is not enough, if you don’t equally say racism is still a problem in America,” he said.

Maltbia encouraged those in attendance, when in private settings with family, friends and co-workers, to speak up against racist statements. “You should never be afraid to speak out against racism,” he said. “Let’s unite Conway.”

Others on the program: 

  • Bishop Frank Anderson, Zion Temple Christ of God and Christ , who presented the invocation.
  • Corey Parks, vice president of economic development at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, who shared his personal experience. “I’m proud to be a black man living in Conway, Ark. This is a beautiful sight,” he said.
  • University of Central Arkansas President Houston Davis, who shared his personal experience. “We are in a struggle for the soul of our nation right now.”
  • Marvin Williams, who sang what he calls a “Civil Rights Medley” that consisted of four songs: “I’m On My Way To Freedom Land,” “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” “Keep Your Eyes On The Prize” and “Pray On A Little While Longer.” He received a standing ovation for his performance.
  • Fellowship Bible Church Senior Teaching Pastor Ken Wilson, who offered his thoughts and the closing prayer. “We are here because black lives matter. The black lives of my friends matter. The lives of my black friends’ children matter,” he said.

At the end of the rally, Castleberry encouraged those in attendance to learn more about what the city is doing to promote unity and diversity. “Conway, I’m very proud of you,” he said. “Help us keep it moving.”

(See the July edition of 501 LIFE, which publishes mid-June, for more coverage of the march and rally.)

Sonja Keith
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