The Knox Alliance for Racial Equality (KARE) is sponsoring a free Mount Vernon civil rights walking tour on Saturday, Oct. 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The tour will start at the First Congregational United Church of Christ (200 N. Main St.) with complimentary donuts and coffee in the courtyard. It includes nine stops that help tell little-known stories of Mount Vernon’s place in the nation’s history to protect and expand civil rights, and of Mount Vernon residents who played important roles in promoting the causes of abolitionism, women’s equality and racial equality.
Learn about black and female pioneers in Mount Vernon, the city’s participation in the Underground Railroad, the visits of famous national figures like Frederick Douglass, and political debates about civil rights and equality in Mount Vernon’s past.
The walking tour is free and open to the public. Parking is available on the street near the church or in the parking lot across from the church. Coffee and donuts will be available at 10:30 a.m.; the tour itself will start at 10:45 a.m. and conclude by noon.
Be prepared to walk approximately 3/4 of a mile around downtown Mount Vernon. Maps will be provided so that participants can drive between stops if necessary.
In case of rain, the tour will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24, starting at 1 p.m.
KARE was founded in 2018 with the mission to bring together a diverse group of residents of Knox County in a community organization committed to challenging racism and promoting inclusion. The organization initiates, supports and facilitates work to make Knox County a more equitable place to live, worship, study and raise families.
For further questions about the tour, visit KARE’s website at kareknox.org or send email to karemtvernon@gmail.com.
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