SALISBURY — The Salisbury/Rowan Unit of Church Women United hosted two celebrations during the first weekend in August.

The first, the Human Rights Celebration, was held on Aug. 2 at Soldier’s Memorial AME Zion Church. The event, which focused on helping remember that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, is at the forefront of the work of Church Women United as it celebrates the people who live, work and support the ministry of racial equity.

The program featured members of the unit and an inspirational message from Rev. Dr. Ethel Bamberg-Revis, who serves as the chaplain at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and assistant pastor at the host church. She spoke on the Church Women United theme scripture, Micah 6:8; “What Does the Lord Require of You?” and urged everyone to “pray on one accord for the healing of our nation.”

During the celebration, Betty Jo Hardy was presented the Human Rights Award for her equity and human rights work in the local community. A member of Milford Hills United Methodist Church, Hardy is a former president of the Community Relations Council and a founding member of the Salisbury/Rowan Actions in Faith and Justice group.

She has led several local peace rallies in many locations throughout the county. These rallies represented all races across the state of North Carolina.

As a member of Church Women United, Hardy served as president of the Salisbury Rowan Unit and is the CWU area chair serving Rowan and Mecklenburg counties.

Other participants on the program were Kathy Tart, Dorothy Gill-Smith, Florence Peck, Penny Nicholson-Knox, Rev. Andrea Polk, Linda Hunter and Doris Brown.

Communities in Schools was the focus agency for the Human Rights Celebration. The organization’s executive director, James Davis, was present to receive school supplies and monetary donations for the Rowan-Salisbury School System.

The second celebration was held on Aug. 3 at First Presbyterian Church, which hosted an area meeting for the Salisbury-Rowan and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Units of Church Women United.

That meeting focused on Church Women United’s national theme of “Living a Legacy of Love Doing God’s Work.”

A joint presentation was given by Monica Green and Kathy Vestal as they shared about the Race and Justice Ministry in Rowan County. During their presentation, they talked about the program and book study between Trinity Presbyterian and First Presbyterian to foster community connections and education on racial history in Rowan County.

Brittany Holbert, COO of FeedNC, was present to share the mission and the impact that defines this organization. Based in Mooresville, FeedNC sponsors food and nutrition, workforce development and education, agriculture and sustainability in conjunction with dignity and social capital for any needy member of Rowan, Iredell and Mecklenburg counties.

Church Women United will celebrate World Community Day on Nov. 1 at St. Luke Baptist Church. Rowan Helping Ministry will be the focus group for donations.