Empathy, comfort, home, love, racism, equality, dialogue, demand, better, and action. Of the many words shared at the June 20 Rally 4 Change, held in front of Edmond Town Hall, perhaps “community” echoed the most.

If not the word itself, then the expression.

A poster for the event — which stemmed from a “Newtown Allies For Change” Facebook group — called for people to “stand with the black community, listen to powerful speakers, and pledge your support for change.”

Attendees were asked to wear black, bring a mask and a sign, and maintain social distancing.

And just at noon, David Weiss and Kendall Euler, two of the organizers for the event, gathered everyone in front of the steps of Edmond Town Hall to listen.

Speakers shared personal stories of living in Newtown — some called for the school system to better educate students about racism — and an overall message that as a whole the community can do better, was shared.

Messages of hope for the future were offered along with calls for action.

As speakers spoke some passing cars honked. Drivers yelled words of encouragement or held their hands out windows to show support. Some drivers yelled negative comments.

Near the end of the rally, event organizers also shared an online petition, available by clicking here, for people to pledge support in uplifting “people of color in Newtown through our words and actions,” the online petition reads. Among other things, the petition asks town boards and leaders for action on advocating and promoting diversity and equal opportunity, both in town and in the school system.

A more in-depth story, with more photos from the event, will be in the June 26 print edition of The Newtown Bee.