Butler County NAACP Unites Families with Day of Unity

When Michele Webb looked at the divisions across America, she decided to do something simple but powerful: bring people together over face painting, soul food, and friendship bracelets.

The Butler County NAACP president organized a Day of Unity celebration Saturday at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Missouri. Families filled the gym with kids building Legos, getting their faces painted, and learning hair care tips from local stylists.

Webb's vision was straightforward. "Our country is so divided right now, so we wanted something where everyone could come out and have fun," she said.

The event offered more than just activities. Pastor Dr. Ron Webb, Michele's husband, displayed his collection of Black History Month art and cultural memorabilia, giving visitors a chance to appreciate history while making new memories.

Free box lunches and soul food samples featuring barbecue, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and mac and cheese kept everyone fueled. Local organizations like the Butler County Democrats set up tables with petitions on voter concerns.

The Ripple Effect

Something unexpected happened as people mingled. Jeremy Dawe, Vice Chair of the Butler County Democrats Central Committee, noticed people across the political spectrum connecting over shared concerns.

"There's a lot more in common between regular people than what's propagated," he observed. It was exactly the kind of bridge-building Webb had hoped for.

She emphasized the long-term value of these connections. "When we have relationships in good times, it makes it easier to come together in bad times," Webb noted.

NAACP Treasurer Keron Henderson watched families from different backgrounds laugh together, create art side by side, and share meals. Her assessment captured the day's success perfectly: "Who all showed up needed to be here."

Webb summed up the event's deeper message with five simple words that point to a path forward for communities everywhere: "Where there's unity, there's power."