Findlay, Ohio – In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The University of Findlay and Findlay’s Black Heritage Library and Multicultural Center are sponsoring Hancock County’s second annual Unity Walk on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.

The Unity Walk will begin at the parking lot south of Marathon Ashland Petroleum Co. at 3 p.m. and will proceed down South Main Street and West Main Cross to end at Central Middle School. Those planning to participate in the walk are asked to arrive at the parking lot by 2:45 p.m. A program celebrating King’s life will take place in the school’s auditorium following the walk.

The program’s keynote speaker is Lt. Col. Alex Jefferson. Jefferson was among the first African Americans who were trained to fly and maintain combat aircraft at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Ala., during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen overcame segregation and prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. The group was renowned for never losing a bomber they were assigned to protect.
 
During his service, Jefferson was shot down by ground fire and was captured by German troops. He spent nine months in a prisoner-of-war camp. He was later awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during a mission to knock out radar stations in southern France.

The program also will include a performance of civil rights folk music and a special tribute to the late Rosa Parks.

Refreshments will follow in the Central Middle School Auditorium.

For more information on this free, public event, contact the UF Office of Intercultural Student Services at 419-434-6967.