Hundreds gather for “Peace Walk Against Hate” in Columbia

Hundreds gathered at Peace Park for a “Peace Walk Against Hate” Wednesday night.

The group marched through downtown, some holding signs ranging from “Love Trumps Hate” to “A Diverse America Is A Beautiful America.”

Audrey Lockwood, a student at Stephens College, organized the event through Facebook. She said the march was not in response to Donald Trump being elected president, but said it was to make sure everyone felt safe and united in Columbia.

“I definitely think this is very relevant,” she said. “People are scared and we want to make sure they feel safe, because we have such a wonderful community and we want people to feel welcome here.”

The Facebook event brought in people from across mid-Missouri.

“I’m fearful for my rights,” said Catlin Wisdom, a Fulton resident. “I’m fearful for my foster kids. I wanted them to be a part of this, because I feel like this is history in the making.”

For others, the march was right in their backyard.

“I’m not a big fan of Trump and what he stands for,” said Alex Ring, a student at MU. “Obviously this isn’t going to be changing that much, but bringing attention to the issue, that’s what democracy is all about.”

Lockwood said she worked with the city to organize the march. MU police officers were stationed at Peace Park as demonstrators filed into the streets.

So far there have been no reports of any issues.