Race Unity Rally June 2

A Race Unity Rally is set for 2 p.m. June 2 at the state Capitol rotunda, Second Street and Capitol Avenue. (Bring photo ID to gain entrance through the Capitol's north doors). Participants are asked to gather at the Capitol Visitor's Center parking lot for a 1:30 p.m. pre-rally march to the Capitol.

There will be a variety of live music and dance, as well as brief remarks from public officials including Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara and Sangamon County Board member Doris Turner. Also addressing the gathering will be Edward Widmer, head of the United Nations Association's Illinois Division.

Entertainment will include the Springfield Urban League Youth Choir, the Frank Trompeter Jazz Quintet, American Indian flutist Kate Kanaley-Miller and the Urban League Kuumba Dancers.

A gubernatorial proclamation from Gov. George Ryan designating June 2-9 as Race Unity Week in Illinois will be read at the rally, as will a similar resolution from the city of Springfield.

After the rally, participants are invited for refreshments to the Springfield Baha'i Center, corner of Eighth and Allen streets.

The rally is sponsored by the Springfield Baha'i Community and endorsed by several other groups.