BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A call to action was held at the Bowling Green city park on Sunday, June 7 as community members came to discuss an uncomfortable topic—-racism.

The shelter house was filled with individuals interested in learning and discussing this prominent issue that the United States has faced for centuries. A problem, that has gotten better, but has yet to be resolved.

“The purpose of this event was to get people talking and creating a safe place for people to discuss this topic,” said event coordinator Tiffany Coleman-Dade.

Coleman-Dade invited the community to the peaceful rally to engage in a meaningful discussion and in effort to open community eyes. Coleman-Dade invited speakers Samantha Grover, Becky Orf, Brenden McPike, Joe Calhoun, and Chad Perkins to share their stories and viewpoints on the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Those who spoke presented examples of racism that are present in their life or in the lives of their family and friends. Racial slurs, problems in the workplace based on prejudices, and the hard conversations people of color must have with their children at a young age, were all discussed in the two-hour long gathering.

The microphone was also offered to those in attendance to speak. Stories were told regarding when the KKK showed up in Bowling Green in 1992 and how some things have gotten better, but there’s still room for improvement. Other stories included a first responder not being allowed in someone’s house because of the color of his skin, a father breaking the pattern of parenting with his son and parents standing up for interracial marriages in a time where that was extremely frowned upon.

“There is a race problem in America, but there is also a race problem in Pike County,” added Coleman-Dade.

A Bowling Green native, Coleman-Dade presented statistics to help clear the air and help attendees understand why black lives are currently in danger. An emphasis on the idea that all lives matter was discussed heavily as this is an argument that often appears on social media or in conversation. Speakers agreed that all lives matter, but all lives cannot matter until black lives matter.

The Black Lives Matter Movement has taken over social media over the last couple of weeks, sparking discussion within the county. Coleman-Dade noted that while a divide can be seen on social media pages between people, there are also a lot of people coming together for change.

“I’ve had many people reach out and ask questions or asking for ways to help. I think this is a good start,” she said.

Additionally, Kelley Hendricks was available to help register individuals to vote. As Coleman-Dade pointed out in her speech, change starts at the local level and that is the best way to make difference.

“If you don’t like what that individual stands for or believes in, vote them out,” said Coleman-Dade.

Recent Bowling Green mayor elect Jim Arico offered an open-door policy, urging for more discussion on change, diversity, and inclusion within the community. Arico and Coleman-Dade are looking to establish a round table discussion to establish a sense of community and diversity for generations to come.

“I want to create a safe environment to educate people on history and societal issues, much like the discussion-based environment created with a peaceful rally,” assured Coleman-Dade.

Written by Madison Ingram and Marianne Everhart contributed to the story.