Willow Lake Golf Center and Driving Range in Keizer hosted the Keizer Unity BBQ on Sunday, July 12. The public was invited to the event, organized by Heather and Rich Howard, owners of the Center, to discuss inclusivity, equality and bringing a positive change to society.
The program, emceed by Jake Espinoza, featured remarks by Mayor Cathy Clark, president of the West Keizer Neighborhood Association, Carol Doerfler, Lt. Andrew Copeland of the Keizer Police Department, and activist Julianne Jackson.
About 75 people attended the rally including some Keizer city councilors as well as council candidates.
Heather Howard said she decided to organize the rally after hearing of a relative’s discriminatory treatment at a retail store in southern Oregon.
Julianne Jackson addresses a crowd of about 75 at a Unity BBQ at Willow Lake Golf Center & Driving Range Sunday, July 12.
Rally emcee Jake Espinoza.
Heather and Rich Howard, Mayor Cathy Clark, emcee Jake Espinoza and Julianne Jackson.
Keizer Police Lt. Andrew Copeland.
Speaker Carol Doerfler.
Attendees at the rally had plenty of space to practice social distancing.