On April 19, 1992, members of the Klu Klux Klan marched in downtown Boone and Blowing Rock. This march sparked the creation of Unity Week in Boone, a yearly tradition.
Karen Williams, an alumna of Appalachian State University, was a senior the year of the Klan march. The march caused a stir among the students at A.S.U. Many of whom opposed the march through downtown.
Williams recalls the air of debate that filled campus.
“Debate centered on whether to basically ignore the Klan or to show up and protest,” Williams said.
Ultimately many students decided to counter-protest , and participate in the university sponsored events.
¨I attended both Klan rallies with a group of activists and friends,¨ Williams said. “The university (ASU) strongly encouraged students to avoid the March entirely and created the Unity Week Celebration as an alternative to protesting the Klan.''
Williams said, ¨There were several more of us than the Klan members.¨
The Klan had 35 members march, while the Unity Week Celebration and counter-protest had over 500 students participate.
Williams recounts the feeling that most students had in regards to the Klan's march.
“I remember feeling that we had a responsibility to be present and counter-protest, ” said Williams.
Thirty years later, Watauga County still spends time each year to promote unity. A.S.U. hosts diversity celebrations each year. Still, Williams notes that direct action against racism is critical.
She said, “Many of us felt the unity activities were important but were also angry."
The unity celebration evolved into Diversity Week at A.S.U. Now each year in the Student Union diversity is celebrated by students and members of the community.
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