Marshall students, faculty, staff, administration, organizations, teams, clubs and the Huntington community gather each year on-campus to walk, celebrate and embrace one another’s differences – united as one Herd.

Marshall’s sixth annual Unity Walk will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, beginning at the Marshall Recreation Center and ending at Buskirk Field.

“Due to the growing tide of animosity, discord and politically charged disturbance to our humanity,  there can be no greater moment in our country and globally to march strongly towards building unity among nations and people,” said Maurice Cooley, the associate vice president of Intercultural Affairs and director and founder of the Unity Walk.

In 2012, the Center for African American Students created an annual unity experience, strongly supported by a body of students, most campus divisions, clubs, organizations and departments.

“The MU Annual Unity Walk sets the tone to build respect, trust and give appreciation for our brothers and sisters,  irrespective of our differences,” Cooley said. “Marshall is a university that stands on the principals of respect and the importance of learning that we are stronger as a university and country if we value and embrace our differences as a light along the pathway to a successful and peaceful life. We must learn how to walk through life and celebrate with others as a show of strength through unity. Perhaps the Unity Walk will inspire many to recognize the importance of walking through life closely with others, different than who we are.”

Cooley said he anticipates that approximately 800 to 1000 people will be in attendance. Following the walk around the perimeter of campus, participants will arrive at the Memorial plaza and Buskirk field for celebrations and food.

Pamela Young can be contacted at [email protected].