2021 Virtual Unity Breakfast
A virtual gathering. Due to the pandemic the 2021 Watertown Unity Breakfast (UB21), on January 18, was a virtual gathering created in a partnership with WCA-TV. Over 800 people -- twice the normal in-person attendance of 400 -- viewed the event.
The entire program was pre-recorded, and is available for on-demand viewing.
UB21 included traditional parts of past programs ...
Honorary Host Michael Bobbitt, Artistic Director of the New Rep Theater
Keynote Speaker Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, advocate for ecological & social justice
Essay contest winners from the Middle School and High School
Unity Award presentation to Rhode Moise, Program Director, Watertown Boys & Girls Club
UB21 also included something new - story sharing, with members of the Watertown community (youth and adults) sharing their personal experiences of bias and discrimination.
Call to action. The program ended with a "call to action" for all UB21 participants, referencing a special Unity Breakfast "Action Resource Guide"
Banner parade. A group of students and residents created banners with quotes from civil rights leaders. These banners were mounted on trucks and cars for a banner parade throughout Watertown in the afternoon after the program.