Annual Race Unity Day Picnic will Celebrate the Unity in Diversity of America’s People
Buffalo, New York— 1 June 2026 — People of all races, nationalities, and various belief systems are coming together to celebrate our unity in diversity. The annual Race Unity Day celebration will take place on Sunday, June 14 at Ellicott Creek Park from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.
The theme of the day, Race Amity E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many One, will set the tone for small group discussions. Omobowale Ayorinde, Chicago-born African-American, will share his personal experience in evolving through the civil rights era, using photography, filmmaking and knowledge of self as tools to enhance his sense of cultural anthropology.
Ayorinde says of his talk, “Race Amity E Pluribus Unum,” is a walk back in time to remind us who we really are and what America means to the world. Speaking of our religious heritage, he said, “I believe that most belief systems have the same tenets and are the pathway to a peaceful future, whereas wars, greed, injustice, hatred and separateness will lead to a world that self-destructs.
Race Unity Day celebrates the fundamental oneness of humanity. This year, the Baháʼís in the greater Buffalo area are joining cities and organizations across the nation to encourage each other to move beyond tolerance, toward active appreciation of diversity in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
"Race Unity Day is an opportunity to recognize that our diversity is our strength," said Lorna Bergner, member of the Amherst Baháʼí community. "By coming together to share our stories, celebrate our different backgrounds, and build bridges of understanding, we are creating a more peaceful, prosperous community for everyone".
This event is free and open to the public and will feature:
· Potluck picnic lunch - BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers provided
· Youth Singalong
· Arts & Cultural Performances by local musicians
· Roundtable Discussions on Inclusion
Baháʼí communities around the world are made up of people from all national, racial, and religious backgrounds. With no formal clergy, community life involves devotional gatherings, service projects, a junior youth empowerment program, and children’s classes, which are open to all.