This Friday I spoke with Rachel Allen and Tulsi Shrivastava of the Unity Coalition of the Southern Alleghenies. It was created in 1994 in response to increased hate group activity in the area. It has evolved over time but remains active in the Southern Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
I gave a brief review of the history of the coalition. At one time there were 40 chapters throughout the state. They have been involved in the Johnstown Juneteenth celebrations in central park, a large rally against the white supremacist Charlottesville rally in 2017 in Johnstown, and the Welcoming Johnstown cultural event of 2022.
Events are planned for this year such as an international food festival. They are also involved in the 100th anniversary of the Banished from Johnstown event where newly arrived African Americans and Mexicans were forced to leave the city. Finally, the Unity Coalition of the Southern Alleghenies will support Pride of Cambria and Pride of Somerset counties.