First Annual Love and Unity Community Walk Set for October 4
October 1, 2025
A new community event will take to the streets of Laurens this fall with a simple but powerful message: Love Others, Respect Others.
The First Annual Love and Unity Community Walk will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The walk begins at Laurens Middle School and continues to Downtown Laurens, bringing together residents, churches, schools, and organizations in a public demonstration of unity.
The walk was born from a vision placed on the heart of Calvin Whitmire at Bridging the Gap Advocacy, who wanted to create an event that promotes peace and togetherness during challenging times.
“There’s so much division around the country and violence,” Whitmire shared. “Our youth need to see adults come together in love and unity. This walk is about showing them what community really looks like.”
Support for the walk has grown quickly. The idea was first presented to local churches, including First Baptist Church in Laurens, Laurel Hills Baptist Church in Waterloo, White Plains Baptist Church in Laurens, Chestnut Ridge Baptist, Springfield Baptist, Mt. Zion Baptist, and Duncan Creek Baptist. The initiative also gained the backing of the City of Laurens, Laurens County School District 55, Sanders High School Alumni Association, and other organizations.
Whitmire said he hopes it will inspire lasting impact:
“This walk is about more than just one day. It’s a chance to set an example for our young people—that despite our differences, we can walk side by side in love, respect, and unity.”
The goal of the event is simple yet profound: to model love and respect in action while reinforcing the idea that helping communities today helps shape our children’s tomorrow.
Community members of all ages are invited to participate in this free event.
