A coalition of student organizers led by James Houston will host the “Hate Stops Here, March for Peace” rally on Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon-2 p.m. The march begins at McKinney High School, 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway, and concludes at Glenn Mitchell Park in Historic Downtown McKinney, according to a press release from The Collin County Democratic Party, which is promoting and participating in the demonstration.
James Houston is a member of McKinney High School Democrats, and the CCDP is “proud to stand with young voices who refuse to let hate define their community,” the press release notes.
“The rally and march, organized by students, is a call to unity in a time of division,” the press release says, noting that the event description says the rally and march are about “protecting our classmates, our families, and our future. It is about showing that McKinney’s residents, young and old, will not be silent in the face of prejudice or intimidation.”
Organizers emphasize that peace is an active, collective choice: “built when ordinary people step forward together.” Organizers have also “stated a core principle of firm commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to act lawfully, de-escalate any confrontation, and treat everyone with respect and restraint,” according to the press release. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, are highly discouraged. The focus remains on unity and a message of peace.”
The Collin County Democratic Party “affirms its full support for the march and the First Amendment rights of all people to peacefully protest and speak out against hate and intimidation,” the press release says. “The party encourages its members and all community allies to join the rally and demonstrate that McKinney stands united
For details and updates, follow @mckinney_hsd on Instagram.
— Tammye Nash