Thousands of people jolted by 9/11 and religious intolerance have chosen to embrace their differences by coming together for the Unity Walk. Starting in 2005 in Washington, DC, and now in New York City; every church, synagogue, mosque and temple on Embassy Row and near Ground Zero open their doors to each other, and symbolically the world.  The Unity Walk seeks to build bridges of understanding and respect in a post September 11th world, highlighting how we are united rather than divided by our many faiths.

FROM IDEA TO REALITY

In 2005, the concept of the Unity Walk was presented at a Points of Light leadership summit held to commemorate MLK Day.  The original idea was put forth by Embassy Row resident Kyle Poole, shaped with the help of Erik Schwarz, and brought to reality by Dan Tutt, Meg Clifford (Poole) and volunteers from every house of worship along Embassy Row and many other faiths, the true founders of the Walk. The event was featured in an award winning Voice of America/Geo TV documentary shown in Pakistan to over 20 million viewers.

2005 - INAUGURAL WALK –“First steps”

On September 11th, more than 1500 participants gathered to walk from Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington’s largest synagogue to the Islamic Center, Washington’s oldest Mosque, and ending at the Gandhi Memorial. Along the route, participants were welcomed with hospitality at seven other congregations along the way. Speakers included Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Rabbi Bruce Lustig, Rt. Rev. John Chane, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Rev Richard Cizik of the Nat. Assn of Evangelicals, Dr Rajwant Singh and many others.

2006 – DC UNITY WALK & NEW YORK EXPANSION –“Celebrating Gandhi”

On the 5th anniversary of 9/11, the DC Unity Walk established a national grassroots network reaching over 100 partners and sponsors. The event was declared by the Mayor’s Office as “A Day Dedicated to Religious Harmony and Dialogue.”  The night before the Walk, an educational panel and film were offered to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Gandhi’s non-violence movement.  Rev. Mpho Tutu, Arun Gandhi, and other faith and community leaders, led the Walk to highlight the modern-day relevance of Gandhi’s teachings. Participants were greeted by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Papal Nuncio, as well as other members of the Diplomatic Community.  New York City also hosted its inaugural Unity Walk in lower Manhattan, hosted by Religions for Peace USA.  

2007 – REFINEMENT OF THE WALK – “Lessons of MLK”

In 2007, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington led the coordination of the planning and logistics for the DC walk, and added opportunities for interfaith dialogue both during the planning process and on the day of the Walk. The Faith Club and the Hon. Harris Wofford, Co-founder of the Peace Corp and contemporary of MLK, joined the illustrious group of speakers to offer lessons from Dr. King’s movement.  Members of the Diplomatic Community were targeted in outreach to highlight the international impact and statement of this event.  

2008 – INCORPORATION and CHILDREN – “Bringing the Message to Youth”

Once again, thousands of people gathered in DC and New York to demonstrate the value of building bridges of understanding.  This year, the Unity Walk has incorporated and is pursuing tax exempt status as a 501 (c)(3) organization.  The mission of the Walk has expanded to offer the Youth Service Initiative, interfaith community service opportunities designed by youth for youth. On MLK Day and in April for the Global Days of Youth Service, youth will gather to volunteer for area environmental organizations and interfaith dialogue.

2009 – CELEBRATING OUR FAITHS – UNITING TO SERVE

Annually, the Unity Walk brings people of all and no faiths together for one day to imagine what could be possible when we work together.  New in 2009, we looked for ways to further enhance the EXPERIENCE for all participants.  The growth of our Youth Service Initiative has enabled us to connect with the next generation to foster interfaith dialogue through community service.  In preparation for the 2009 event, the Unity Walk co-hosted an evening lecture series and Interfaith Iftar dinner to explore “what compels one to serve.”  The Unity Walk opened this year with a Community Service Fair to highlight the national emphasis on volunteerism and provide a forum for participants to come back together again around service.

It was noted repeatedly that the richest experience this year for participants was the opportunity to enter houses of worship along Embassy Row, the route of the walk.  Host communities were given additional time to develop short programs, sharing their religious traditions through music, meditation and food.   

 

PLEASE HELP US SHAPE THE FUTURE!

The exciting, history-making Unity Walk relies on you.  If you have ideas, a skill or would just like to donate, we want to hear from you.  Please contact Kyle Poole at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202.262.2181.

9/11 Unity Walk is a 501c3 non-profit organization.