WINTON – The ‘unity’ effort continues.

On the heels of a productive gathering last month in Murfreesboro, the second installment of the “Unity In Our Community” forum is slated for 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Winton Baptist Church (203 North Main Street).

This event evolved from a group of Hertford County school officials, businessmen, law enforcement officers, and clergy members that gathered in January in an effort to solicit ideas on how to strengthen the stitches of society. From that meeting, Ahoskie businessman David Shields, Hertford County Schools Superintendant Michael Perry, and Ahoskie Councilman C. David Stackhouse agreed to facilitate a series of forums. The first was held Feb. 12 at Murfreesboro Baptist Church.

Tonight’s forum will be led by a consortium of parents, politicians, students, school and college officials, college students, law enforcement, community leaders and clergy who will comprise the panel..

“All citizens of Hertford County need to come together as we tackle several important issues facing our society today,” said Stackhouse.

“We are also issuing an invitation to those who live in our neighboring counties as the problems we’re seeing in our schools and on our streets are not just confined to Hertford County. Those are problems experienced everywhere and we are making an effort to see how we can address these issues,” Stackhouse added.

Topics at Thursday’s event will include diversity, law enforcement respect for citizens and citizen’s respect for law enforcement, gangs in schools and communities, and how to be part of the solutions to the problems.

For information or transportation, call Stackhouse at 252-518-1440.