Unity Begins with U
Diverse Performers · Inspiring Speakers · Free Food & Drinks · Free Kid’s Crafts & Activities · Interfaith Prayers · Local Organization Booths
The second ever Unity Fest will be held 11-4 PM on September 30th at Leclaire Park, Edwardsville. We are soliciting fellow well-wishers of humanity, both individuals and organizations, to help with the success of this event.
This free festival will include a main stage showcasing inspiring speakers and culturally diverse performers in promotion of the event theme: UNITY begins with U. Family-friendly activities and age-appropriate lessons on diversity and unity. Interfaith prayers will be shared from a variety of denominations and religions. Additionally, booths throughout the park will feature like-minded organizations sharing information and/or activities.
In an effort to uphold an inclusive spirit, no commerce will take place at the festival. Our sponsors will provide free food and non-alcoholic drinks from local minority-owned businesses.
Our hope is to bring together as many different faces and voices of our community as possible. We look forward to your participation in this important event.
Festival Program
Schedule subject to change
| Name | Category | Description | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mayor Art Risavy | Speaker | Festival Welcome | 5 min |
| 2 | Lindsey Apple | Prayer | Newsong Fellowship | 5 min |
| 3 | LaShawnda Williams | Speaker | Edwardsville Poet | 15 min |
| 4 | Gateway Men's Chorus | Performance | Vocal performance | 45 min |
| Break | 15 min | |||
| 5 | Imam Yazeed | Prayer | Muslim Faith | 5 min |
| 6 | Riz Kahn | Speaker | President of the Little Angels Foundation | 15 min |
| 7 | Samantha Clemmons | Performance | Soul-folk artist | 45 min |
| Break | 15 min | |||
| 8 | Buddhist Representative | Prayer | Buddhist Faith | 5 min |
| 9 | Ben Greene | Speaker | Gender Education | 15 min |
| 10 | Alma de Mexico | Performance | Mexican Dance | 45 min |
| Break | 15 min | |||
| 11 | Ahdieh Coleman | Prayer | Bahá’í Faith | 5 min |
| 12 | Antonio Maldonado | Speaker | Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St Louis | 15 min |
| 13 | St. Louis Traditional Chinese Music Ensemble | Performance | Chinese Music | 45 min |
| 14 | Closing Prayer | Prayer | Interfaith | 5 min |
Presenting Sponsors
Network Sponsors
Partner Sponsors
Booth Sponsors
- D.A.R.E.
- District 7 Schools
- Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
- Edwardsville YMCA
- Edwardsville Baha’i
- International Hospitality Program
- Newsong Fellowship
- Good Dirt Garden
- Edwardsville Public Library
- First Baptist Church
- Faith Coalition
- Historic Lincolin School Alumni Foundation
- Lincoln Middle School Library Club
- Mentoring with Purpose
- Metroeast Interfaith Partnership
- Mojo’s Music
- Muslim Next Door
- National Museum of African Americans on Stamps
- Nature Preserve Foundation
- PFLAG/Rainbow House
- SIUE Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
- United Congregations of The Metro-East
- Wesley Chapel
- 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Alton
- D.A.R.E.
- District 7 Schools
- Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
- Edwardsville YMCA
- Edwardsville Baha’i
- Edwardsville Public Library
- First Baptist Church
- Faith Coalition
- Good Dirt Garden
- Historic Lincolin School Alumni Foundation
- International Hospitality Program
- Lincoln Middle School Library Club
- Metroeast Interfaith Partnership
- Mentoring with Purpose
- Mojos Music
- Muslim Next Door
- National Museum of African Americans on Stamps
- Nature Preserve Foundation
- Newsong Fellowship
- PFLAG/Rainbow House
- SIUE Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
- United Congregations of The Metro-East
- Wesley Chapel
- 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Alton
