From mountains to coast: A march for unity in North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Over the past ten days, a statewide campaign promoting unity and peace has marched from Cullowhee to Wilmington, carrying a message across North Carolina.

“This march is the beginning of something—it’s not the end,” said participants as they gathered to reflect on their journey.

The Long March For Change kicked off in the mountains and ended on our coast.

Local rallies ignited conversations with elected officials, all aimed at fostering inclusivity and unity.

Brigette Rasberry, Chief Operating Officer of the Beloved Community Center, an organization closely involved with the event, emphasized the importance of this dialogue.

“They are missing the suffering of the people in the communities they are supposed to represent, so this is our effort to reclaim our power as the people because it’s the people that have the power to bring about change in our communities,” she stated.

Rasberry has witnessed the division across North Carolina firsthand, but she noted a hopeful shift during the march.

“We felt it; we’ve seen it. In every community we’ve gone to, organizations and individuals seem to be clinging to this hope of us uniting as a people and not being divided.”

She believes that while change is possible, leading by example is crucial.

“People are looking for a model for change, and we believe that with the power of the people across the state of North Carolina, we can do just that. We can create that model for change and for true love and caring for our families.”

Rasberry also acknowledged their journey through Asheville and shared that their hearts are with those suffering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation.