The event drew a mix of races and religions. Event organizer Michael O'Neal said that was accomplished on purpose. If he invited 20 blacks, he would also try to invite 20 whites. Without some measure of race unity, Howard, who just finished fourth grade, said he wouldn't be at his current school in Ridgeland. He said he's one of a handful of black students there.
White kids tend to cheer for white kids.
Black kids cheer for black kids. They said that stresses the need for race unity at all age levels. The boys resumed their game as the crowd in the pavilion listened to Jack Lenz and the First Commandment Gospel Singers. Among that crowd were Hugh Cain and Michael Gilmour, of the Unity Church. They said the message of the event lined up perfectly with their beliefs.