Columbus Celebrates Unity Day with Free Food for 1,000

Columbus, Mississippi, turned its Riverwalk into a community celebration that fed 1,000 people and reminded everyone what bringing a city together looks like.

Unity Day brought residents of all ages to enjoy free food, live music, and activities on a Saturday in June. Local band Artistik took the stage, with lead singer Deveon Ball performing in his hometown after a previous event got rained out. "Wherever we're performing at, we're always excited, no matter where it is, but it always feels good, especially here cause Columbus, Mississippi, is my hometown," Ball said.

Next Level BBQ owner Ulysses Kelly worked overtime to feed the crowd, frying 25 cases of catfish, 15 cases of french fries, and 10 cases of hushpuppies. Volunteers handed out plates while kids bounced in castles and got flaming baseballs painted on their arms by local artist Amanda Slaughter.

But Mayor Stephen Jones had a bigger vision than just free food and fun. He wanted citizens to celebrate the city's growth over the past year, including new street improvements, development projects, and the upcoming Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater.

The Ripple Effect

Jones also saw Unity Day as a chance to bridge the gap between residents and their public servants. Columbus Police Department and Columbus Fire and Rescue set up booths where families could chat with leaders and ask questions. Detective Kim Hayes helped nine-year-old Gwendolyn Colom try on a SWAT vest and helmet while parents talked with officers about their concerns.

"Sometimes citizens may feel that they can't get in touch with them," Jones explained. "So today is a day that they can come out and talk with them."

Four-year-old Karley Wallace spent the afternoon sliding down bouncy castles while her mother LaQuava enjoyed having something for the whole family. "I was glad the Unity Day Celebration had something for me and my children and we all had a great time," LaQuava said.

When a city pauses to celebrate together, everyone wins.