OKEMOS - On Saturday, January 30th, residents of Meridian Township gathered at Faith Lutheran Church for an event discussing race and diversity, facilitated by Rev. Ken Ponds, ELCA Pastor.

This event lasted five hours and was designed to educate and increase awareness of racial disparities within communities. Through dialogue and conversation, Ponds has traveled around the country facilitating workshops and events.

"We, as human beings, must makes shifts and take responsibility for our actions. If we want to change racism, we have to be willing to change ourselves and that's hard work," said Ponds.

Ponds hopes to explore and discuss race and ultimately seek transformation of the minds and hearts of people in our community.