Update: The event has been rescheduled from April 13 to April 20.

The City Council, Police Chief Ed Homes and many other community leaders invite all Mercer Island residents to take personal steps to eliminate racism during a ceremony at noon on Wednesday, April 20, at City Hall.

The goal of the event is to unite Eastside communities in an expression of solidarity following a racist incident that recently occurred at the minority-owned Rags to Riches consignment shop in Redmond.

“I believe I can speak for the entire Council in underscoring our rejection of racism in the Mercer Island community, and I remain committed to ensuring Mercer Island is an inclusive community for all residents and visitors,” said Mayor Bruce Bassett.

Attendees will be invited to write their commitment on a piece of fabric and attach it to the peace arch that forms the exhibit, physically connecting them with the commitments of other participants. The display, titled “Reject the Rags of Racism and Live into the Riches of Diversity,” has already traveled between other Eastside cities, and will remain on Mercer Island for one week.

The event is sponsored by the Eastside Race and Leadership Coalition, which empowers leaders to eliminate racism and increase equity in the community through positive action and unity.

For more information, contact Cindy Goodwin, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Director at 206-275-7749.